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

Should you visit Florence or Kotor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence or Kotor, 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a peaceful, remote, and dramatic coastal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Florence and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Florence or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence. Although Florence and Kotor are popular destinations, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Kotor attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Florence is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Florence different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Florence that are not to be missed. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Florence and Kotor can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

Many restaurants in Kotor have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Is Florence or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Florence is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Florence has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Florence or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Florence is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Florence is not a resort destination.

Is Florence or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Florence or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Florence or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Florence and Kotor both have terrific historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

The rich history of Kotor can be explored in its historical center. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Is Florence or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Kotor draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Florence or Kotor?

Florence is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Florence is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Florence or Kotor Better for Families?

Florence and Kotor are both nice destinations for the whole family.

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.

Kotor is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Florence or Kotor Better for Couples?

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

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.

Kotor is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Florence or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Florence is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Florence or Kotor Better for Students?

Florence is a world-class destination for students. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Florence is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Florence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Florence or Kotor a more walkable city?

Florence and Kotor are terrific when it comes to walkability.

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

It is easy to get around Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Florence?

How long in Florence or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Florence or Kotor. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

In Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this artistic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Florence or Kotor?

Florence is a fun place to experience. In Florence, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historical destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Kotor is a great place to explore. 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 coastal town 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Florence or Kotor?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Florence and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Florence as well as Kotor. Most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Florence is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 25°C (77°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In the summer, Florence often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Florence gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets less rain in July than Kotor. Florence gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor 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 hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

Florence is around the same temperature as Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Florence usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Florence gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In October, Florence usually receives less rain than Kotor. Florence gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Florence or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor 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 Kotor for the cuisine.

In the winter, Florence is a little warmer than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Florence in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Florence often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Florence gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Florence usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Florence gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Florence and Kotor. Many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Florence is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 14°C (57°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Florence usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during spring. Florence gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Florence usually receives less rain than Kotor. Florence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Florence