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

Should you visit Interlaken or Florence?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Florence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence. Although Interlaken and Florence are popular destinations, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is famous for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Florence is famous 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).

How is Interlaken different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Florence Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Florence is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Florence is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Travelers visit Florence from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Interlaken or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Florence is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Florence Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Interlaken draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Florence?

Florence is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Florence Better for Families?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Florence Better for Couples?

Both Interlaken and Florence are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent 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 Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Interlaken or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken is a great town 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 Interlaken can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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

Is Interlaken or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Florence. Most people explore the city on foot.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Florence?

Both Interlaken 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 in Interlaken. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

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

The beautiful town of Interlaken offers food and skiing. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the alluring city of Florence, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 one day exploring.

A weekend in Interlaken or Florence?

Interlaken is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Florence, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Florence?

Interlaken is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Florence?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 town offers something for everyone.

Florence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Interlaken and Florence, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Florence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Florence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florence 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken than you might in Florence.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Florence?

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

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 Interlaken or Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Florence. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Interlaken is cooler than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Florence. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Florence. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Interlaken is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Florence. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. Interlaken is much colder than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Florence during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Florence. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Florence because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Interlaken is cooler than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Florence. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Florence. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Interlaken