A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Calais vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Calais or Florence?

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

Should I visit Calais or Florence? 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.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Florence is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Calais is known for its beaches and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Calais and is popular 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). Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Calais different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Florence on the map. 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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Calais and Florence.

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Florence has a few options to choose from. 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 Calais or Florence Better for Beaches?

Calais is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Calais or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Florence can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Florence?

Florence is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Calais or Florence Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Calais or Florence.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Florence offers lots of family activities. 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 Calais or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Florence makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Calais or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Florence is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Calais or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is a must-visit destination for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Florence. 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Calais and Florence.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

While Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Calais or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Calais?

How long in Calais or Florence?

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

Families should spend more time in Florence than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais or Florence?

The city of Calais offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Calais or Florence?

Calais 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 Calais, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Calais or Florence?

Calais 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Calais or Florence?

Calais 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the alluring destination of Florence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Calais and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Calais Expensive? and Is Florence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Calais or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais 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 Calais or Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Calais during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Calais is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Calais. In the summer, Calais often gets less sunshine than Florence. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Florence. Many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Calais is cooler than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Calais usually receives less rain than Florence. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Calais or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Calais as well as Florence. Most visitors come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Calais can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Calais is much colder than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Calais often gets less sunshine than Florence. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in January than Florence. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In April, Calais is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Calais usually receives less rain than Florence. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Calais