A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Catania vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Catania or Florence?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Catania and Florence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Catania

Catania is a fun, historic, and lively port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Catania and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Florence?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Catania than Florence, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Catania is better known for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Florence is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Florence is more touristy than Catania and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Catania is well known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. Also, Catania is famous for Mount Etna.

How is Catania different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Catania. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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

Both Catania and Florence offer terrific local cuisine and restaurants.

Catania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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.

Is Catania or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Catania is a great port city for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Catania has something for everybody. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Catania or Florence Better for Beaches?

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

Catania has a beach worth visiting. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is very popular for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Florence has a world-famous historical 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.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Catania or Florence Better for Hiking?

Catania is a great port city for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Catania for the hiking trails. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Florence?

Florence is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Catania or Florence Better for Families?

Catania is a great port 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, Catania is very family-friendly. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

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 Catania or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Florence has plenty to offer. 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.

Catania is a good port city for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Catania or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is very popular for backpackers. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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 and backpackers visit Catania. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

Is Catania or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is very popular for students. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Catania is a great port city to visit as a student. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

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

Catania is a great port city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Catania can get you to some places easily. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

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

Is Catania or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Catania is a very walkable destination. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Catania?

How long in Catania or Florence?

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

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

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

The port city of Catania offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Catania or Florence?

Catania is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Catania, 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 Catania or Florence?

Catania is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Catania or Florence?

Catania is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Catania and Florence, we can see that Florence is more expensive. And not only is Catania much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Catania would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Catania 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 Catania.

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Catania. When comparing the sizes of Catania 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 Catania 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 Catania or Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Catania as well as Florence. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences.

Catania is around the same temperature as Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In the summer, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in July than Florence. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Catania is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Catania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during autumn. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Catania. In October, Catania usually receives more rain than Florence. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Catania or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Catania during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Catania in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Catania is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 10°C (51°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Catania often gets more sunshine than Florence. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Florence. Most visitors come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Florence because of the natural beauty.

Catania is around the same temperature as Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Catania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during spring. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Catania usually receives less rain than Florence. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Catania