A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Avignon vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Avignon or Florence?

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 Avignon and Florence. 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.

Avignon

Avignon is a picturesque, historical, and quaint town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avignon or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence than Avignon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Florence is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Avignon is known for its small town charm. Florence is more touristy than Avignon and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Avignon is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

How is Avignon different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Avignon or Florence?

You'll find a number of world-class museums and attractions in both Florence and Avignon.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Avignon has many famous sights for visitors. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Florence that are not to be missed. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Avignon or Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at world-class restaurants in both Avignon and Florence.

Eat your way through Avignon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

For foodies, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Is Avignon or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Florence is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Avignon or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Avignon and Florence.

The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Florence offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Is the Shopping Better in Avignon or Florence?

Florence is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Avignon or Florence Better for Families?

Both Avignon and Florence are good family-friendly destinations.

Avignon is a family-friendly town. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Florence. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Avignon or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is renowned for couples. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Florence is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Avignon or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Avignon or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Florence is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Avignon is not popular with students.

Is Avignon or Florence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Avignon and Florence.

Avignon has some public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

You'll find some public transit in Florence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Avignon or Florence a more walkable city?

Avignon and Florence are world-class when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Getting around Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Avignon Worth Visiting? and Is Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Avignon?

How long in Avignon or Florence?

Both Avignon and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Avignon. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Avignon, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Avignon 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 Florence.

One day in Avignon or Florence?

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Florence, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Avignon or Florence?

Avignon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Avignon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Florence, 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 Florence has to offer.

Five days in Avignon or Florence?

Avignon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Avignon or Florence?

Avignon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. In Florence, you'll find museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Avignon or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Avignon and Florence, 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 Avignon or Florence?

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 Avignon or Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and Florence. Many visitors come to Avignon in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Avignon is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 24°C (75°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Florence during summer. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Avignon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Florence. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Avignon or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Avignon as well as Florence. Most visitors come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Avignon is around the same temperature as Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Avignon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Avignon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Avignon usually gets more rain in October than Florence. Avignon gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Florence in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Avignon is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Avignon in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Avignon gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Avignon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Florence. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Avignon or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Avignon during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Avignon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

In April, Avignon is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 13°C (56°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Avignon. In the spring, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Florence. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Avignon