A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Volterra vs. Rome for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Volterra or Rome?

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

Should I visit Volterra or Rome? 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.

Volterra

Volterra is a medieval, cultural, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Volterra and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volterra or Rome?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rome than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rome is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Volterra is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Rome is more touristy than Volterra 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. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

The Colosseum

How is Volterra different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rome is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Rome that are not to be missed. 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.

Many visitors head to Volterra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Volterra and Rome.

For foodies, Volterra is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

Rome has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Is Volterra or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is terrific for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Rome is a must-see party destination. 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.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Is Volterra or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is terrific for live music. However, Volterra is not a live music destination.

Rome is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Volterra is not a live music destination.

Is Volterra or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Volterra 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, Volterra offers plenty to see. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or Rome?

Rome is terrific for shopping. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Rome is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Volterra. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Is Volterra or Rome Better for Families?

Rome is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rome is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Volterra offers lots of family activities. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

Is Volterra or Rome Better for Couples?

Volterra is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Volterra is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

Rome is a great town 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 Volterra or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is terrific for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rome is a mecca for backpackers and 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).

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

Is Volterra or Rome Better for Students?

Rome is terrific for students. However, Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Rome is terrific for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Rome can take you anywhere. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Volterra or Rome a more walkable city?

Volterra and Rome both are terrific when exploring on foot.

Getting around Volterra on foot is easy. Most people explore the town on foot.

Rome is a very easy town 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Rome or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Rome?

Both Volterra 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 Volterra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volterra, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

Families should spend more time in Rome than Volterra. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Volterra 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 Volterra or Rome?

Volterra is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Rome is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Volterra or Rome?

Volterra is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 Volterra or Rome?

Volterra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town 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 Volterra or Rome?

Because Volterra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Volterra or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra 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 Volterra 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 Volterra or Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Volterra in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Rome. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 23°C (74°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during summer. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volterra usually receives more rain than Rome. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Volterra or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Volterra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Volterra is around the same temperature as Rome in the autumn. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Volterra often gets less sunshine than Rome. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. Volterra usually gets more rain in October than Rome. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Rome in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Rome. The winter months attract visitors to Volterra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In the winter, Volterra is cooler than Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volterra in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Rome averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Volterra usually receives less sunshine than Rome during winter. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Volterra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Volterra or Rome in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Rome. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Volterra this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Rome. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 13°C (55°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. In the spring, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets more rain in April than Rome. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and Volterra