A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Florence for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Belfast or Florence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Florence, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and shopping.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Florence is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Belfast attracts visitors for its big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Florence is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Both Belfast and Florence are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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.

Is Belfast or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Florence offers plenty to see. 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Florence?

Florence is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Florence is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Florence Better for Families?

Belfast and Florence are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Florence is a family-friendly city. 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 Belfast or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is an unbeatable place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Florence is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Florence is a great destination 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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Florence is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Florence on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Florence?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Florence than Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Florence?

The city of Belfast offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Belfast or Florence?

Belfast is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Belfast, 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 Belfast or Florence?

Belfast 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 Belfast or Florence?

Belfast is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Florence, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast or Florence?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Belfast or Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Florence. The summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In the summer, Belfast is much colder than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Florence. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Belfast is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Florence. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Belfast during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. Belfast is much colder than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Florence. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Florence. Many visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Belfast is much colder than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives less rain than Florence. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Belfast