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

Should you visit Florence or Baltimore?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence or Baltimore, 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 artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse 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 and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Florence or Baltimore?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Florence than Baltimore. While Baltimore is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Baltimore is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Baltimore and is popular 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). Baltimore is well known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

How is Florence different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

Florence is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Florence or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore has something for everybody. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Florence is revered around the world. 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.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Florence or Baltimore?

If you're looking to go shopping, Florence and Baltimore both offer plenty of excellent spots.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Florence or Baltimore Better for Families?

Baltimore 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, Baltimore is very family-friendly. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore Better for Couples?

Florence is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Florence or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Florence or Baltimore Better for Students?

Florence is a world-class destination for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore is a great 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 Baltimore can get you to some places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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

Is Florence or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Florence is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city on foot.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Florence?

How long in Florence or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Florence and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Baltimore. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Florence, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

Couples should spend more time in Florence than Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

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.

The city of Baltimore 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.

A weekend in Florence or Baltimore?

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.

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

Five days in Florence or Baltimore?

You'll find nightlife and food around the artistic 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.

Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

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.

Baltimore 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Florence and Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Florence or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Florence and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

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 Florence or Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Florence as well as Baltimore. Most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Florence is around the same temperature as Baltimore in the summer. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In the summer, Florence often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Florence gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Baltimore. Florence usually gets less rain in July than Baltimore. Florence gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Baltimore in the Autumn?

Both Baltimore and Florence are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

In the autumn, Florence is a little warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florence in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Baltimore averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Florence usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during autumn. Florence gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Florence usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Florence gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Florence or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Florence during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Florence this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Baltimore. In January, Florence is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 7°C (45°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

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

Florence usually gets less rain in January than Baltimore. Florence gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Baltimore in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Florence and Baltimore. Many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Baltimore in the spring for the activities around the city.

Florence is a little warmer than Baltimore in the spring. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. Florence usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during spring. Florence gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Florence usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baltimore. Florence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Florence