A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Venice vs. Pisa for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Venice or Pisa?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Venice and Pisa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Venice and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Pisa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Venice than Pisa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Pisa is known for its food, nightlife, and beaches. Venice is more touristy than Pisa and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Pisa is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Venice different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Venice are world-renowned. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Many visitors head to Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

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

Pisa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Venice or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Pisa is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Venice or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is very good for the beach. However, Venice is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Venice or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Venice is terrific for its old town. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Venice has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Pisa?

Venice is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Venice draws large crowds to its stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Venice or Pisa Better for Families?

Venice is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Venice is very family-friendly. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Venice or Pisa Better for Couples?

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

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Pisa is a good city 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 Venice or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Venice and Pisa are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Venice or Pisa Better for Students?

For students, both Venice and Pisa are world-class places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Pisa is a great destination 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.

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

Venice is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Venice can take you anywhere. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Venice or Pisa a more walkable city?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Venice?

How long in Venice or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Venice and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Pisa. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice than Pisa 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 Venice.

One day in Venice or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Venice. 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.

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 Venice or Pisa?

Venice 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.

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 Venice or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Venice. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Venice or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the magical city of Venice. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the classic 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Venice and Pisa, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive? and Is Pisa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Venice or Pisa?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Venice 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 Venice 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 Venice or Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Pisa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. Venice usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Venice usually receives more rain than Pisa. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Venice or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and Venice during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Venice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

Venice is cooler than Pisa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Venice often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Venice gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Venice usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Pisa. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Venice in the winter. In the winter, Venice is much colder than Pisa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Venice in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Pisa averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Venice usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during winter. Venice gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Venice usually receives less rain than Pisa. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Venice or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Venice as well as Pisa. Many travelers come to Venice for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Pisa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Venice often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Venice usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Venice