A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coimbra vs. Florence for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Coimbra or Florence?

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

Should I visit Coimbra 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.

Where Should I go: Coimbra or Florence?

Coimbra

Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.

Florence

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Florence or Coimbra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Florence is €154. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Coimbra and Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Florence 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Florence 174
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Florence

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Florence? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Coimbra


Hotels in Florence


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Florence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Florence 22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Viseu - Porto: $157
  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $147

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    25
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    30
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    5.00
  • Bus From Airport
    5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Florence to Arezzo with a stop at The Mall Outlet: $153
  • Transfer Florence - Bologna with stop at the Barberino Outlet: $142
  • Transfer Between Florence and Rome with Sightseeing Stop: $1,176
  • Private transfer: $256
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Florence (hotel OR airport pick-up): $85
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Florence: $114
  • Private Transfer: Florence to Florence Firenze-Peretola Airport (FLR): $153
  • Private Transfer: Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $63
  • Private Transfer from Ulignano to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $251
  • Private Transfer from Scandicci to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $110
  • Private Transfer from San Casciano in Val di Pesa to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $292
  • Private Transfer from SMN Train Station to Florence: $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence and Coimbra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Coimbra 48
    Florence 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $49

Typical Food Prices in Florence

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:


  • Panini Sandwich
    6.50
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $23
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
  • Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
  • Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
  • Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
  • Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
  • Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $47
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $61
  • Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Florence 30

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Coimbra : $199
  • A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $120
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $70
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $76
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $131
  • Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $76
  • Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $134
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $254
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $44
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99

Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence

For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Admission to Uffizi
    11
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    4.00
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    100
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    20
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    6.00
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Florence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.

  • Best of Florence walking tour & Accademia Gallery- monolingual small group tour: $92
  • Florence FoodTour with Local Guide: $191
  • Florence-Private bike tour: $98
  • From Sunset Panoramic e-Bike or Classic Bike tour : $38
  • Semi-Private Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour: $71
  • Tour Private of Florence in electric car : $41
  • VIP Uffizi Gallery Tour: $75
  • "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $196
  • 1-Hour Experience with Brunello. Visit to the Vineyard and Cellar: $35
  • 1-Hour Golf Cart Private Tour through the Center of Florence: $49
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Uffizi Galleries for Families: $38
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour to Uffizi Gallery and its Symbols: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Florence 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:

  • Wine Tasting Experience in Portugal: $27

Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    4.20
  • Bottle of Wine
    7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
  • Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
  • Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
  • 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
  • From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
  • Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
  • Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
  • Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
  • Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43


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

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


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Florence?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Coimbra or Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Florence. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Coimbra is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 23°C (73°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Florence. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Florence 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Florence. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Coimbra is a little warmer than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Coimbra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coimbra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Florence. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Florence 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Coimbra is much warmer than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coimbra in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Coimbra. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Florence. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Florence 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Coimbra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In April, Coimbra is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 15°C (59°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the spring, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Florence. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Florence. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Florence 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Florence and Coimbra

Coimbra Florence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (61°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)