A Travel Price Comparison for Italy La Spezia vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit La Spezia or Florence?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for La Spezia and Florence. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a cultural, lively, and convenient town. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

La Spezia and Florence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular old town
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 La Spezia or Florence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Florence than La Spezia. Florence is bigger than La Spezia, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while La Spezia is more popular for its beaches. Florence is more touristy than La Spezia 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 Spezia is well known for being the gateway to Cinque Terre.

How is La Spezia different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

La Spezia
Florence

Florence is very popular for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.


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

La Spezia
Florence

Florence is very popular for its restaurants. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Florence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Dining out in La Spezia is an experience not to be missed. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

Is La Spezia or Florence Better for Nightlife?

La Spezia
Florence

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in La Spezia and Florence.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Spezia. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

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.

Is La Spezia or Florence Better for Beaches?

La Spezia
Florence

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

La Spezia has a beach worth visiting. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Florence is not a beach destination.


Is La Spezia or Florence Better for its Old Town?

La Spezia
Florence

Florence is very popular for its old town. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Florence has a world-famous historical 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.

La Spezia offers a nice historic old town area. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Is the Shopping Better in La Spezia or Florence?

La Spezia
Florence

Florence is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Spezia to go shopping. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.

Is La Spezia or Florence Better for Families?

La Spezia
Florence

Both La Spezia and Florence are notable family-friendly destinations.

La Spezia is a family-friendly town. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.

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.


Is La Spezia or Florence Better for Couples?

La Spezia
Florence

Florence is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit La Spezia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

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

La Spezia
Florence

Florence is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Spezia is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

Is La Spezia or Florence Better for Students?

La Spezia
Florence

Florence is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, La Spezia is not popular with students.

Florence is a very popular place to visit 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.

La Spezia is not popular with students.


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

La Spezia
Florence

Visitors will find notable public transit in both La Spezia and Florence.

La Spezia has some public transit options. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

You'll find some public transit in Florence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is La Spezia or Florence a more walkable city?

La Spezia
Florence

Florence is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

La Spezia is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or La Spezia?

How long in La Spezia or Florence?

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

Families should spend more time in Florence than La Spezia. 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 Spezia. 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 Spezia 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 La Spezia or Florence? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Spezia 2-3 
    Florence 2-7

One day in La Spezia or Florence?

The town of La Spezia offers nightlife and food. 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.

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 La Spezia or Florence?

La Spezia 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Spezia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the artistic 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 La Spezia or Florence?

La Spezia 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 artistic 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 La Spezia or Florence?

La Spezia 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 town 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Florence or La Spezia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in La Spezia is €198, while the average daily cost in Florence is €154. 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 La Spezia and Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Spezia 113
    Florence 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Spezia 226
    Florence 174
Compare Hotels in La Spezia and Florence

Looking for a hotel in La Spezia 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 La Spezia


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: La Spezia Hotel Prices and Florence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Spezia 41
    Florence 22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia

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

  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
  • Arrival Private Transfer La Spezia to Genoa by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $252
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia to Florence : $245
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia to Cinque Terre by car or van: $141
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $131
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence Hotels: $131
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Pisa Intl Airport (PSA) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Arrival Private Transfer from La Spezia to Porto Venere or Lerici: $91
  • Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by car / van: $91
  • Private Transfer La Spezia Cruise Port or Train Station to city: $51
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels: $22

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence

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


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    25
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    30
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    5.00
  • Bus From Airport
    5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

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

  • Transfer to or from the Florence Airport by Deluxe Van: $109
  • Transfer from Florence to Arezzo with a stop at The Mall Outlet: $155
  • Transfer Florence to Pisa: $188
  • Transfer Florence - Bologna with stop at the Barberino Outlet: $144
  • Transfer Between Florence and Rome with Sightseeing Stop: $1,194
  • San Gimignano & Volterra: Private Transfer from Florence: $880
  • Private transfer Florence Airport / Hotel Florence: $133
  • Private transfer: $259
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Florence: $116
  • Private Transfer: Peretola Airport (FLR) to Florence City Center: $81
  • Private Transfer: Florence to Florence Firenze-Peretola Airport (FLR): $155
  • Private Transfer from your Hotel in Florence to the Airport: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into La Spezia or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence and La Spezia 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
    La Spezia 56
    Florence 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Spezia

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

  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $92
  • Small-Group Street Food Tour: $97
  • Portovenere: Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $98
  • Small-group Street food tour in La Spezia: $98
  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $124
  • Porto Venere & Islands Sunset Boat Tour w/ Dinner: $140
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $151
  • Private Cooking Class in an Italian Home: $157
  • Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class with Lunch: $159
  • Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in La Spezia: $160
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in La Spezia: $160
  • Cinque Terre Cooking Lesson in La Spezia: $161

Typical Food Prices in Florence

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


  • Panini Sandwich
    6.50
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    17

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: $22
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Florence Walking Food Tour at Sunset: $33
  • Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $36
  • Virtual Italian Meatballs Cooking Class, Live from Tuscany: $38
  • 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 : $42
  • Florence Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
  • Florence Street Food Tour with Walking Sightseeing and Local Guide: $46
  • Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Spezia 37
    Florence 30

Tours and Activities in La Spezia

For La Spezia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • La Spezia Walking Tour: $35
  • 4-Hour E-Bike Private Guided Tour of the Tellaro and Montemarcello Villages: $55
  • 7-Hour Guided Tour Portovenere and Cinque Terre with aperitif: $131
  • Afternoon Boat Tour to Cinque Terre with brunch on board: $154
  • Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $66
  • Boat Tours 5 Terre: $138
  • Boat tour Cinque Terre and Gulf of Poets from La Spezia: $150
  • Boat tour golfo dei poeti - Golfo dei poeti Portovenere 3 Islands: $142
  • Caving adventure at the Caves of Equi Alpi Apuane: $143
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in La Spezia: $153
  • Cinque Terre & Portovenere: Boat Tour: $144
  • Cinque Terre Gems: UNESCO Sites & Secrets Tour: $629

Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence

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


  • Admission to Uffizi
    11
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    4.00
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    100
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    20
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    6.00
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Florence

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

  • Express Early Morning Uffizi Small Group Tour I Max 6 People: $142
  • Florence FoodTour with Local Guide: $193
  • Florence Gourmet FoodTour with Friendly Guide: $193
  • Florence-Private bike tour: $99
  • From Sunset Panoramic e-Bike or Classic Bike tour : $39
  • Medici walking tour -Small group : $43
  • Semi-Private Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour: $72
  • SmallGroup Florence StreetFood WalkingTour: $193
  • VIP Uffizi Gallery Tour: $76
  • "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $199
  • 1-Hour Mythological Tour in Piazza della Signoria: Experience for Children: $50
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour to Uffizi Gallery and its Symbols: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Spezia 35
    Florence 18

Sample the Local Flavors in La Spezia

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

  • Food and wine tour in the Gulf of Poets with local products: $143
  • boat tour with seafood and wine tasting: $217

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
    4.20
  • Bottle of Wine
    7.50

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: $17
  • Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
  • 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $28
  • 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
  • Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
  • Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $43
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Florence city centre: $43
  • Winery tour & wine tasting in Montalcino: $44
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Florence city centre: $44


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


Which is Bigger, La Spezia or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of La Spezia. When comparing the sizes of La Spezia 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.