A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Pisa for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Varenna or Pisa?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Varenna and Pisa. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Varenna and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Pisa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pisa than Varenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pisa is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Varenna is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Varenna is well known for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Pisa is well known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. Also, Pisa is famous for The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Varenna different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

Varenna is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Varenna is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. 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 Varenna or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Pisa has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Varenna or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is a good destination for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

Pisa offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Varenna or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Varenna or Pisa Better for Hiking?

Varenna is a great village for hiking. However, Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Varenna for the hiking trails. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Pisa?

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Pisa is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Varenna or Pisa Better for Families?

Both Varenna and Pisa are notable family-friendly destinations.

Varenna is a family-friendly village. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Pisa. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Varenna or Pisa Better for Couples?

Varenna is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Varenna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

Pisa is a good village 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 Varenna or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Is Varenna or Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna is not popular with students.

Pisa is a very popular place to visit 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.

Varenna is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Varenna and Pisa.

Varenna has some public transit options. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

You'll find some public transit in Pisa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Varenna or Pisa a more walkable city?

Varenna is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Varenna is a very easy village to get around on foot. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Pisa?

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

Families should spend more time in Pisa than Varenna. 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 Varenna than Pisa. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Varenna that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pisa than Varenna if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Pisa.

One day in Varenna or Pisa?

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

In Pisa, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Varenna or Pisa?

Varenna is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Pisa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pisa has to offer.

Five days in Varenna or Pisa?

You'll find shopping and museums around the pristine destination of Varenna. This village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Pisa is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Varenna or Pisa?

The beautiful village of Varenna offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pisa. 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 Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna 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 Varenna 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 Varenna or Pisa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Pisa. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Varenna is around the same temperature as Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pisa this time of the year. In Varenna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Varenna usually receives more rain than Pisa. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Varenna or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Pisa. Many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Varenna is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varenna in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Varenna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Varenna usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Pisa. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Varenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Varenna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Varenna is generally cooler than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 5°C (41°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Varenna usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during winter. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varenna usually receives more rain than Pisa. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Varenna or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Varenna during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Varenna is around the same temperature as Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets more rain in April than Pisa. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Varenna