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

Should you visit Inverness 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 Inverness and Florence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Inverness and Florence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)


Is there more to do in Inverness or Florence?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Florence than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Inverness is more popular for its small town charm. Florence is more touristy than Inverness 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). Inverness is well known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness.

How is Inverness different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Florence

Florence is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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 Inverness can be an interesting and educational experience. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.


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

Inverness
Florence

Florence is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Inverness has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Is Inverness or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Florence

Both Inverness and Florence are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

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.

Is Inverness or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Florence

Florence is terrific for its old town. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Florence?

Inverness
Florence

Both Inverness and Florence are excellent shopping destinations.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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 Inverness or Florence Better for Families?

Inverness
Florence

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Florence.

Inverness is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Florence is a family-friendly city. 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 Inverness or Florence Better for Couples?

Inverness
Florence

Florence is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.


Is Inverness or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Florence

Florence is terrific for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city 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.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Inverness or Florence Better for Students?

Inverness
Florence

Florence is terrific for students. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Inverness
Florence

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.


Is Inverness or Florence a more walkable city?

Inverness
Florence

Florence is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Inverness is a very walkable destination. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Florence?

Both Inverness 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 Inverness. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Inverness, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

Families should spend more time in Florence than Inverness. 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 Inverness. 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 Inverness 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.


  • How many days in Inverness or Florence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Florence 2-7

One day in Inverness or Florence?

The city of Inverness offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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.

A weekend in Inverness or Florence?

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

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.


Five days in Inverness or Florence?

Inverness 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historical 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.

A week in Inverness or Florence?

Inverness 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.

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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Florence or Inverness?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Florence is £132. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Inverness and Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Florence £74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Florence £148
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Florence

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Florence? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Inverness


Hotels in Florence


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Inverness Hotel Prices and Florence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Florence £19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    £6.85
  • Taxi from Airport
    £21
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    £26
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    £4.28
  • Bus From Airport
    £4.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From The Mall Firenze Shuttle Transfer: $15
  • Shared Bus Transfer to/from Pisa Airport: $16
  • Florence hotels to Florence Airport (FLR) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer from SMN Train Station to Florence: $51
  • From La Spezia: Round-Trip Bus Transfer to Florence: $52
  • Private Florence Airport to Hotel Transfer: $59
  • Arrival Private Transfer Florence Station SMN to Florence City by Sedan or Van: $60
  • Departure Private Transfer Florence City to Florence Station SMN by Sedan or Van: $60
  • From Round Trip Transfer to Cinque Terre: $63
  • Private Transfer: Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $63
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer (Florence Airport To/From Florence Hotels): $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence and Inverness change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Inverness £49
    Florence £31

Typical Food Prices in Florence

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:


  • Panini Sandwich
    £5.56
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    £15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $23
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
  • Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
  • Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
  • Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
  • Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
  • Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $47
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $61
  • Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Florence £26

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence

For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Admission to Uffizi
    £9.41
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    £3.42
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    £86
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    £17
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    £5.13
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    £5.99

Tours and Activities in Florence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.

  • The Best tour in Renaissance and Medici Tales: $0.02
  • Renaissance and Medici Tales Guided Walking Tour: $2.67
  • Dark Mysteries and Legends Guided Walking Tour: $2.67
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Best tour in Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER: $3.26
  • Sunset Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Private Tour to the Laboratory of Artistic Ceramics in Tuscany: $3.27
  • Smartphone self guided Tour: $4.27
  • Florence Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.50
  • The Towers of Florence Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Florence: $5.44
  • Uffizi Gallery Highlights Audio Guide (Ticket NOT included): $5.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Florence £16

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    £3.59
  • Bottle of Wine
    £6.42

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
  • Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
  • Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
  • 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
  • From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
  • Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
  • Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
  • Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
  • Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Inverness and Florence, we can see that Inverness 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness 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 Inverness Expensive? and Is Florence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness or Florence?

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 Inverness or Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Florence. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences.

Inverness is much colder than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. In the summer, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Florence. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Florence 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Inverness is much colder than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Inverness in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Inverness usually receives less rain than Florence. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Florence 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Inverness during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Inverness in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Inverness can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Inverness is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 3°C (38°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Florence. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in January than Florence. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Florence 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Florence. Most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Florence because of the natural beauty.

Inverness is much colder than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Inverness usually receives less rain than Florence. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Florence 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Florence and Inverness

Inverness Florence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)