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

Should you visit Canberra or Florence?

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

Should I visit Canberra 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.

Canberra

Canberra is a cultural, diverse, and under-rated 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 historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Canberra and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence. Although Canberra and Florence are about the same size, Florence has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Canberra is more popular for its hiking and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Canberra is well known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Canberra different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Florence are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Canberra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

Florence is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Canberra or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Both Canberra and Florence have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

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 Canberra or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is terrific for its old town. However, Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Florence has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Is Canberra or Florence Better for Hiking?

Canberra is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

Canberra has hiking trails worth exploring. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Florence?

Florence is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Florence is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Canberra or Florence Better for Families?

Canberra is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Canberra or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Canberra or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Florence is extremely popular 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Canberra is very popular with students. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Canberra and Florence.

Canberra has some public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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 Canberra or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Florence. Most people explore the city on foot.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Florence?

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

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

The city of Canberra offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful city of Florence offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Canberra or Florence?

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

Florence 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Canberra or Florence?

Canberra 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Canberra or Florence?

Canberra 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.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Canberra and Florence, we can see that Florence is more expensive. And not only is Canberra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra is in Pacific and Florence is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Canberra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Canberra 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence than you might in Canberra.

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

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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 Canberra or Florence?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Florence has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Canberra or Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Florence. Many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Canberra is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in July.

In January, Canberra usually receives more rain than Florencein July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Canberra or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Florence. Many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Canberra is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Canberra in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F)in October.

Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Canberra usually gets more rain in April than Florencein October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Canberra is generally much warmer than Florencein January. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 11°C (52°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In July, Canberra usually receives less rain than Florencein January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Canberra or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Canberra during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

Canberra is around the same temperature as Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in April.

Canberra usually gets more rain in October than Florencein April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Canberra