A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

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Should you visit Edinburgh or Florence?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Florence can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a vibrant, ancient, and charming city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the theater, nightlife, and live music.

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.

How is Edinburgh different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Edinburgh or Florence better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Edinburgh and Florence.

The museums and tourist attractions in Edinburgh are world-renowned. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland.

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.


Is Edinburgh or Florence better for Food?

For a nice culinary experience, head to Florence, which is well known for it's local dishes.

Many restaurants in Florence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edinburgh. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon.

Is Edinburgh or Florence better for Nightlife?

The nightlife scene is relatively similar in Edinburgh and Florence.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars, clubs and pubs to choose from.

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 Edinburgh or Florence better for its Old Town?

Both Edinburgh and Florence have historic old towns worth visiting.

Edinburgh has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

With a famous historical old-town, Florence offers plenty to see. 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.

Is Edinburgh or Florence better for Shopping?

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

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds.

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.


Is Edinburgh or Florence better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Florence are fun to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. There are a variety of unique activities for families in town including exploring Edinburgh Castle, a visit to the Edinburgh Dungeon, and of course, following the Harry Potter Trail.

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 Edinburgh or Florence better for Couples?

Both Edinburgh and Florence are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Is Edinburgh or Florence better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh and Florence are both good destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Florence better for Students?

Both Edinburgh and Florence are popular destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Florence is a great destination for students. 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 Edinburgh or Florence better for Public Transit?

Visitors will find public transit in both Edinburgh and Florence.

Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

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

Is Edinburgh or Florence a more walkable city?

Edinburgh and Florence are similar when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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

Edinburgh and Florence: Pros and Cons

Edinburgh
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less popular for food
Florence
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Should I spend more time in Florence or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Florence?

Both Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Edinburgh is 1-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Florence is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Edinburgh or Florence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Edinburgh 1-5 
    Florence 2-7

One day in Edinburgh or Florence?

The beautiful city of Edinburgh offers theater and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Edinburgh or Florence?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the iconic 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 Edinburgh or Florence?

Edinburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, five days is sufficent for most. The entire area has lots to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historical 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 Edinburgh or Florence?

Edinburgh is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 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.

Which city is cheaper, Florence or Edinburgh?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Edinburgh is £116, while the average daily cost in Florence is £102. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Edinburgh and Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Edinburgh £62
    Florence £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Edinburgh £124
    Florence £118

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Edinburgh £13
    Florence £15
Typical Local Transportation prices in Edinburgh

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


  • Local Bus
    £3.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh

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

  • Edinburgh To Aberdeen Private Premium Transfer With Chauffeur: $804
  • Edinburgh to Inverness Private Premium Transfer With Chauffeur: $758
  • Edinburgh to Oban Luxury Taxi Transfer: $697
  • Edinburgh to Aberdeen Luxury Taxi Transfer: $655
  • Edinburgh To Oban Private Premium Transfer With Chauffeur: $559
  • Luxury Airport Transfer Service from , Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen & Inverness: $538
  • Airport Transfers , Edinburgh to Aberdeen , or Aberdeen to Edinburgh: $538
  • Edinburgh to Trump Turnberry Luxury Taxi Transfer: $483
  • Edinburgh to Trump Turnberry Private Premium Transfer With Chauffeur: $427
  • Edinburgh to Dundee Luxury Taxi Transfer: $414
  • Edinburgh to Inverness Luxury Taxi Transfer: $369
  • Edinburgh to Gleneagles Resort Luxury Taxi Transfer: $317

Typical Local Transportation prices in Florence

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


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    £6.83
  • Taxi from Airport
    £21
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    £26
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    £4.27
  • Bus From Airport
    £4.27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

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

  • Welcome Transfer from Florence Airport to Florence Downtown - Ultimate transfer: $58
  • Venice area to Florence or viceversa Private Transfers: $796
  • Transfers Pisa Airport to/from Florence Hotel CAR HIRE WITH DRIVER: $286
  • Transfers Florence Airport to or from Florence Hotel: $95
  • Transfer with stops: Florence-Siena with stops in San Gimignano & Monteriggioni: $187
  • Transfer with stops: Florence-Rome with stop in San Gimignano and Montepulciano: $435
  • Transfer with stops: Florence-Rome with stop in Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio: $435
  • Transfer with stops: Florence - Venice with stops in Bologna and Ferrara: $398
  • Transfer with stops: Florence - Assisi with stop in Montepulciano and Cortona: $386
  • Transfer with stops: Florence - 5 Terre with stops in Lucca & Pisa: $404
  • Transfer with stops: Florence - 5 Terre with stop in Pisa (2 hrs): $373
  • Transfer to or from the Florence Airport by Deluxe Van: $67

Is it cheaper to fly into Edinburgh or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence and Edinburgh 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
    Edinburgh £31
    Florence £22
Typical Food prices in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    £8.50
  • Dinner at Filling Station
    £10
  • Lunch for Two
    £15
  • Sandwich
    £1.85
  • Cheese & bread
    £7.23
  • Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    £25
  • 2 Coffees and Scones
    £5.80
  • Turkish Delight
    £1.40
  • Soup at the Pub
    £5.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh

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

  • Scottish Classic Desserts private cooking class with professional chef: $66
  • Discover Royal Mile-Old Town & ENJOY Indian Dinner ~ Walking Tour!: $79
  • 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $94
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Curry Cooking Class – pure comfort food for the soul!: $97
  • Curry Around The World Cooking Class: $97
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Edinburgh: $106
  • Relaxing Handmade Pasta with meal and wine - Safe Cooking Class: $110
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Curry Private Cooking Class with professional chef: $116
  • "Curry Around The World" Private Cooking Class with professional chef: $116
  • Private Food Tour with a Local Expert including 10 Tastings in Edinburgh: $136
  • Handmade Pasta Cooking Class & Dinner with professional chef for private groups: $137
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour in Edinburgh w/ Private Tour Option: $228

Typical Food prices in Florence

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


  • Panini Sandwich
    £5.55
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    £15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

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

  • Italian Fresh Pasta Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $40
  • Vegetarian pasta cooking class and dinner in Florence: $54
  • Cooking with Kids 3-Hour Experience: $60
  • Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62
  • Handmade Pasta and Dessert Cooking Class with Dinner: $62
  • Handmade Tagliatelle cooking class in Florence: $72
  • Pizza Dinner and Opera Arias Concert: $74
  • Food Tour in 3-Hour Walking Tour: $76
  • 4-Course Cooking Experience in Florence: $78
  • Tuscan Cooking Course with Dinner: $78
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class at a Farmhouse in Tuscany: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Edinburgh £16
    Florence £20
Typical Entertainment prices in Edinburgh

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Show Tickets
    £32
  • Movie Tickets for Two
    £12
  • Donation for Storytellers
    £6.00

Tours and Activities in Edinburgh

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

  • 1 Day Malt Whisky, Craft Gin, & Craft Beer Tour: $116
  • 1 day Outlander tour: $723
  • 2 Day Loch Ness, Glencoe, Glenfinnan Viaduct & St Andrews Tour: $123
  • 2 Days Private Custom Tour of Scotland from Edinburgh: $1,104
  • 2 Hours Ghost Tour - English Tour Guide: $18
  • 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh: $228
  • 2-Day Inverness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh: $112
  • 2-Day Lake District Tour from Edinburgh: $344
  • 2-Day Loch Ness and Inverness Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh: $237
  • 2-Day Outlander Experience Small Group Tour from Edinburgh: $248
  • 2-hour Whisky Tasting Tour of Edinburgh: $54
  • 3 Day / 2 Night Scottish Highland Experience from Edinburgh: $446

Typical Entertainment prices in Florence

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


  • Admission to Uffizi
    £9.39
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    £3.42
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    £85
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    £17
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    £5.12
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    £5.98

Tours and Activities in Florence

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

  • - Leonardo Interactive Museum® Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • 2 hours sunset walking tour: $112
  • 2-Nights Ferrari World and with Private Bologna Walking Tour from Florence: $1,058
  • 3 hours: Private walking tour of Florence and Accademia Gallery guided visit: $158
  • 3-Hour Private Florence Walking Tour: $112
  • 5 Terre Shared Tour - the best solution to see the 5 Lands - Ultimate Tour: $672
  • 5 Terre Shared Tour - the best way to see the 5 Lands - Ultimate 5 Terre Tour: $391
  • 5 Terre Tour and Portovenere - Swim in a Sea of Beauty - Ultimate 5 Terre Tour: $391
  • 5 Terre Tour and stop in Lucca - Swim in a Sea of Beauty - Ultimate 5 Terre Tour: $391
  • 5 Terre Tour and stop in Pisa - Swim in a Sea of Beauty - Ultimate 5 Terre Tour: $391
  • A Day at The Mall Luxury Outlets (Prada, Gucci) - Ultimate Shopping Experience: $261
  • Accademia Gallery Private Tour with 5-Star Guide: $141

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Edinburgh £12
    Florence £13
Typical Alcohol prices in Edinburgh

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


  • Beer & Wine
    £14
  • Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern
    £1.65
  • Pint of Beer
    £3.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh

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

  • The Orange Pub Crawl - Edinburgh: $18
  • Edinburgh Brewery Tour: $22
  • Holyrood Distillery Gin and Whisky Guided Tour: $24
  • Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour: $24
  • Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $34
  • Pickering's Gin Distillery Tour with Gin Tastings: $34
  • Loch Lomond, Stirling, and Glengoyne Distillery Tour from Edinburgh: $52
  • Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery from Edinburgh: $54
  • Loch Ness, Highlands and Whisky Distillery Day Tour from Edinburgh: $66
  • Bike, beers and brewery tour: $90
  • Edinburgh and Golf and Distillery Tour with Private Driver: $259
  • Whisky Distillery Tour from Edinburgh by Private Vehicle: $284

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
    £3.59
  • Bottle of Wine
    £6.40

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

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

  • 60-Minute Wine Tasting Tour: $45
  • Chianti: Authentic Wine Tasting Experience from Florence: $52
  • Sunset Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $62
  • Florence Sunset Wine Tour: $64
  • Pienza and Montepulciano Full-Day Wine Tour: $79
  • From Tuscany Wine Tasting Full-Day Trip: $87
  • From Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany: $90
  • Florence in 3 Wines: Exclusive Wine Tasting with an Expert & Food Pairing: $136
  • From Tuscany by E-Bike with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $147
  • Private Ramble Through The Rolling Hills Of Chianti (6 h) + Lunch & Wine tasting: $174
  • Just a Taste but What a Taste - Half Day Wine Tour in Tuscany (Private Tour): $180
  • Florence Wine Tasting and Tuscan Lunch in a Vintage Fiat 500: $187

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Edinburgh and Florence, we can see that Edinburgh 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.

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Edinburgh vs. Florence Travel Comparison

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