A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Florence vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel, 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a inspiring, iconic, and religious island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Florence and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Florence than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Florence is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its hiking. Florence is well known 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). Mont-Saint-Michel is well known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base.

How is Florence different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Florence and Mont-Saint-Michel.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel on the map. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Is the Food Better in Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florence is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Florence is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Florence is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Florence is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Florence is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Florence. 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Florence and Mont-Saint-Michel are both terrific to visit as a couple.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Is Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Florence is a world-class destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Florence and Mont-Saint-Michel both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel has a few public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Florence is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Florence Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Florence?

How long in Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Florence than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Florence, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

Couples should spend more time in Florence than Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Florence, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

The beautiful island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the artistic city of Florence, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mont-Saint-Michel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With nightlife and food around the alluring destination of Florence, there's plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Florence is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Florence and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 4640 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Florence and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Florence as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Florence is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In the summer, Florence often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Florence gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Florence gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the autumn, Florence is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florence in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Florence usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Florence gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Florence usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Florence gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Florence is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 7°C (45°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Florence often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Florence gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mont-Saint-Michel. Florence gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Florence and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring for the natural beauty.

Florence is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Florence usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Florence gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Florence usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Florence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Florence