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

Should you visit Florence or Atlanta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence or Atlanta, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a diverse, sprawling, and suburban city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Florence or Atlanta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence. Although Florence and Atlanta are both popular with visitors, Florence has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Florence is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Atlanta is known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Atlanta and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Atlanta is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Florence different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Atlanta on the map. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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

Florence is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Florence or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is a great 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 Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

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 Florence or Atlanta Better for its Old Town?

Florence is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Florence or Atlanta?

Atlanta is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Atlanta draws large crowds to its stores. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Florence. 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 Florence or Atlanta Better for Families?

Atlanta 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, Atlanta is very family-friendly. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

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 Florence or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Florence is terrific for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Florence or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Florence or Atlanta Better for Students?

Florence is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

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

Florence is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Florence or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Florence is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Florence?

How long in Florence or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Florence or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Florence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Florence, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

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

Couples should spend more time in Florence than Atlanta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Florence that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Atlanta 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 Florence or Atlanta?

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.

Atlanta is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Florence or Atlanta?

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.

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

Five days in Florence or Atlanta?

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.

Atlanta 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.

A week in Florence or Atlanta?

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.

Atlanta 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Florence and Atlanta, we can see that Atlanta 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. Even though Florence is in Europe and Atlanta is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Florence or Atlanta?

Atlanta has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Florence and Atlanta, 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 Florence or Atlanta?

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 Florence or Atlanta in the Summer?

Both Atlanta and Florence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

In the summer, Florence is cooler than Atlanta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Florence in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Atlanta averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. Florence usually receives more sunshine than Atlanta during summer. Florence gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In July, Florence usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Florence gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Florence or Atlanta in the Autumn?

Both Atlanta and Florence during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Florence is generally cooler than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 16°C (61°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Florence often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Florence gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets more rain in October than Atlanta. Florence gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Atlanta in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Florence and Atlanta. Many travelers come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Atlanta in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Florence is around the same temperature as Atlanta in the winter. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Atlanta fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Florence usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during winter. Florence gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Florence usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Florence gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Florence or Atlanta in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Florence as well as Atlanta. Many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Atlanta for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Florence is cooler than Atlanta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Florence in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Atlanta averages at about 65°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In the spring, Florence often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Florence gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Florence usually gets less rain in April than Atlanta. Florence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Florence