Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Messina?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Messina?
Most visitors spend two to three days in Messina when visiting. The local port city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the nightlife, the museums and landmarks, the big city activities, and the food.
Many visitors see Messina as a gateway city to Sicily. It's a major port city where many ferries arrive and depart. It's also the third largest city in Sicily, and there are a number of sights worth visiting around town.
Do you have one or two days to visit Messina? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Messina?
One day is generally not enough time to experience everything in Messina even though it's not huge. A shorter schedule may leave you feeling like you didn't fully get to dance the night away, browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and taste delicious cuisine. To genuinely appreciate the best areas of the local port city, a more lengthy visit is typically recommended. Many tourists opt for two to three days here. After all, Messina is popular with tourists and offers some fun sights and attractions. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.
How to spend a day in Messina
Perhaps the most famous place in Messina is Piazza del Duomo, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
This port city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.
Messina is a very walkable city. With only a day in the port city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Messina?
To do everything that Messina has to offer, you'll need more than a weekend, but two or three days does allow you a bit more time to explore. You'll have a chance to experience at least some of the highlights. In addition to the great nightlife and fun museums and landmarks, visitors can enjoy the food, shopping, and local culture. By staying a night or two, you'll be able to take advantage of the most interesting activities found here, and we have some suggestions below.
How to spend 2 days in Messina
If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Messina, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the port city has to offer.
This port city offers some good museums and historic landmarks, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most and get started. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).
A few tour suggestions include:
- Taormina and Messina Private Tour with Sicilian Cannoli tasting ($190)
Public transit in Messina is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the port city quite easily. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Messina, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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