A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valencia vs. Rome for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Valencia or Rome?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Rome, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Valencia

Valencia is a coastal, cultural, and historic coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Rome

Rome is a popular, ancient, and archeological city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Valencia and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Valencia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Valencia is known for its resorts, beaches, historical sights, and hiking. Rome is more touristy than Valencia and is known 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 home to The Colosseum. Valencia is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella).

The Colosseum

How is Valencia different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Valencia or Rome?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

Is the Food Better in Valencia or Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Valencia and Rome can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valencia is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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.

Is Valencia or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Valencia and Rome.

Valencia has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Rome is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Is Valencia or Rome Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Valencia is not a live music destination.

Is Valencia or Rome Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for its resorts. However, Rome is not a resort destination.

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Rome is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Rome Better for Beaches?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Valencia. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Valencia or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Valencia is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Valencia offers plenty to see. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is Valencia or Rome Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Rome?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Is Valencia or Rome Better for Families?

Valencia and Rome are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Valencia is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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.

Is Valencia or Rome Better for Couples?

Valencia and Rome are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Rome is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Valencia or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Rome. 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).

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Valencia. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Is Valencia or Rome Better for Students?

Valencia and Rome are first-rate places to visit for students.

Valencia is a great destination for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

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

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

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Valencia or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Rome on foot is easy. 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.

Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Valencia Worth Visiting? and Is Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Rome?

Both Valencia 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 Valencia. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

One day in Valencia or Rome?

Valencia is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful city of Rome offers museums and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Valencia or Rome?

Valencia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valencia or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal big city of Valencia. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rome is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Valencia or Rome?

The cultural coastal city of Valencia offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rome has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Valencia. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia or Rome?

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 Valencia or Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Valencia is around the same temperature as Rome. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valencia in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Rome averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives less sunshine than Rome during summer. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valencia usually receives less rain than Rome. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valencia or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Valencia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Valencia for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rome in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Valencia is generally around the same temperature as Rome. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 19°C (66°F), and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Valencia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rome. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Rome in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Rome. Many visitors come to Valencia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Valencia is a little warmer than Rome in the winter. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Rome during winter. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valencia usually receives less rain than Rome. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valencia or Rome in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Rome. Most visitors come to Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Rome because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Valencia is a little warmer than Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valencia in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Rome averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the spring, Valencia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in April than Rome. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and Valencia