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

Should you visit Kyoto or Florence?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Florence can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Kyoto and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Florence?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Florence than Kyoto. While Kyoto is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is better known for its food, while Kyoto is more popular for its big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Kyoto 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). Kyoto is well known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history.

How is Kyoto different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the first-rate sights and museums in both Kyoto and Florence.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kyoto are among the most recognizable in the world. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

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

Florence is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Florence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Kyoto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Kyoto or Florence Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kyoto or Florence has a better nightlife scene.

Kyoto has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

If you're looking for night time activities Florence has a few options to choose from. 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 Kyoto or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Both Kyoto and Florence have first-rate historic old towns worth visiting.

The old town of Kyoto is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Florence offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Florence?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Florence and Kyoto.

Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto or Florence Better for Families?

Kyoto 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, Kyoto is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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 Kyoto or Florence Better for Couples?

Both Kyoto and Florence are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

Florence is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Kyoto or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is renowned for backpackers. Also, Kyoto 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Kyoto or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is renowned for students. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Florence is a very popular city for students. 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.

Many students visit Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto can get you to some places easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

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

Is Kyoto or Florence a more walkable city?

Kyoto and Florence both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Florence?

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

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

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

The beautiful city of Kyoto offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

In Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical 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.

A weekend in Kyoto or Florence?

Kyoto 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kyoto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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.

Five days in Kyoto or Florence?

Kyoto 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.

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.

A week in Kyoto or Florence?

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this alluring 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and Florence, we can see that Florence is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto is in Asia and Florence is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Florence?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences.

Kyoto is around the same temperature as Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Florence. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Florence. The autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In the autumn, Kyoto is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Florence. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Florence. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. In January, Kyoto is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Florence. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than Florence. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty.

Kyoto is around the same temperature as Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Florence. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Kyoto