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

Should you visit La Rochelle or Florence?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle or Florence? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a charming, peaceful, and relaxing coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Florence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Florence than La Rochelle. Florence is bigger than La Rochelle, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Florence is better known for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty, while La Rochelle is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Florence is more touristy than La Rochelle and is 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). La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

How is La Rochelle different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Florence?

Florence is very popular for its historical sights. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its sights and museums.

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.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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

Both La Rochelle and Florence offer fantastic local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Florence Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both La Rochelle and Florence.

If you're looking for night time activities La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 La Rochelle or Florence Better for Beaches?

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

La Rochelle has a beach worth visiting. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is La Rochelle or Florence Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both La Rochelle and Florence.

La Rochelle has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Florence Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Florence?

Florence is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Florence is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is La Rochelle or Florence Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either La Rochelle or Florence.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

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 La Rochelle or Florence Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both La Rochelle and Florence make for a fantastic place to visit.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Florence is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is La Rochelle or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for students.

Many students frequent 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.

La Rochelle is a good coastal town to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

La Rochelle and Florence both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

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

Is La Rochelle or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its ease of walking around.

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

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Florence?

Both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Rochelle, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

Families should spend more time in Florence than La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Florence?

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the iconic city of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Florence?

La Rochelle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town 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 La Rochelle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the alluring destination of Florence. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Florence?

La Rochelle is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the artistic city of Florence. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Florence?

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food 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 coastal town offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florence. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

La Rochelle is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Rochelle. La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, La Rochelle usually receives more rain than Florence. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and La Rochelle during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Rochelle in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Florence. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets less rain in October than Florence. La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Florence. Most visitors come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, La Rochelle is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 7°C (44°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Florence during winter. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Rochelle usually receives more rain than Florence. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Florence. The spring months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches and the small town charm. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

La Rochelle is cooler than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, La Rochelle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets less rain in April than Florence. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and La Rochelle