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

Should you visit York or Rome?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

York and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Rome?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rome than York. Rome is bigger than York, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rome is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while York is more popular for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than York 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. York is well known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

The Colosseum

How is York different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rome is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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 York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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

Foodies will find both York and Rome both to be terrific destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Rome just to party. 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.

York has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Is York or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is a world-class destination for live music. However, York 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.

York is not a live music destination.

Is York or Rome Better for its Old Town?

York 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, York offers plenty to see. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Rome?

Rome is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Rome Better for Families?

York is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

York is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Rome is a very family-friendly destination. 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 York or Rome Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Rome make for a excellent place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Rome makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is York or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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).

Many backpackers visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Is York or Rome Better for Students?

Rome is a world-class destination for students. However, York 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Rome is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Rome can get you around easily. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Rome 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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Rome or York?

How long in York or Rome?

Both York 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 York. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

Couples should spend more time in Rome than York. 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 York 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 York or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of York. 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.

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

A weekend in York or Rome?

York 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 fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of York. This 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 archeological big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Rome?

The medieval city of York 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 bustling city where you can fill many days. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Rome in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Rome. Many visitors come to York in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, York is generally much colder than Rome. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. York usually receives less sunshine than Rome during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives more rain than Rome. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Rome. Most visitors come to York for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, 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.

York is much colder than Rome in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Rome. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Rome. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to York because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

The weather in York can be very cold. In the winter, York is much colder than Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Rome averages at about 8°C (47°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Rome during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Rome. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, York often gets less sunshine than Rome. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rome. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and York