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

Should you visit Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a beautiful, collegiate, and scholarly university town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cambridge and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cambridge or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence than Cambridge. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Florence is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Cambridge attracts visitors for its small town charm. Florence is more touristy than Cambridge and is known 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). Cambridge is famous for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it.

How is Cambridge different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Florence from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Cambridge offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Florence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Is Cambridge or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Both Cambridge and Florence have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cambridge. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Florence has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Cambridge or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cambridge 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.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Florence?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Cambridge and Florence.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Florence is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Cambridge or Florence Better for Families?

Both Cambridge and Florence are nice family-friendly destinations.

Cambridge is a family-friendly university town. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

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 Cambridge or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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 Cambridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Is Cambridge or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Florence. 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 Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Is Cambridge or Florence Better for Students?

Both Cambridge and Florence are world-class destinations for students.

Cambridge is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

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.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cambridge and Florence.

Cambridge has some public transit options. There is a regional bus service that operates through 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 Cambridge or Florence a more walkable city?

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cambridge. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Florence?

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

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

The beautiful university town of Cambridge 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Florence. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cambridge or Florence?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cambridge or Florence?

Cambridge 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the alluring city of Florence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Cambridge or Florence?

Cambridge 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 university town offers something for everyone.

Florence is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cambridge. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge 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.