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

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

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence. Although Manchester and Florence are popular destinations, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Manchester attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Manchester and is known 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). Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

How is Manchester different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Manchester can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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

Florence is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Manchester or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Manchester is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Manchester has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in 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 Manchester or Florence Better for Music?

Manchester is a great city for its live music scene. However, Florence is not a live music destination.

Manchester has a thriving music scene. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Florence is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is very popular for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Florence?

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Florence both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Florence is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Manchester or Florence Better for Families?

Manchester 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, Manchester is very family-friendly. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is very popular for romance. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Manchester or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Manchester or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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

Manchester 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 Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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

Is Manchester or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is very popular for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Florence?

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

Couples should spend more time in Florence than Manchester. 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Florence?

Manchester is a big city with plenty to do. 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 artistic 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 Manchester or Florence?

Manchester 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 Manchester, 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 Manchester or Florence?

Manchester 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.

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 Manchester or Florence?

Manchester 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 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Florence?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Manchester is much colder than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives more rain than Florence. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Manchester during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Manchester is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Florence. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Florence. Many visitors come to Manchester in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Manchester can get quite cold in the winter. Manchester is much colder than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Florence during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives more rain than Florence. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Florence. Most visitors come to Manchester for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Florence because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Manchester is much colder than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Florence. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Manchester