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

Should you visit Marbella or Florence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Florence, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a high energy, ritzy, and glamorous resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Marbella and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Florence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Florence than Marbella. Florence is bigger than Marbella, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Florence is more touristy than Marbella 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). Marbella is well known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife.

How is Marbella different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is very popular for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Marbella is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Florence Better for Music?

Marbella is a great resort town for its live music scene. However, Florence is not a live music destination.

Marbella has a thriving music scene. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Florence is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Florence Better for Resorts?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Florence is not a resort destination.

Marbella offers an unforgettable resort vacation. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Florence is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Florence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Marbella specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Florence Better for Beaches?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Marbella are among the best in the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is very popular for its old town. Also, Marbella 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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Florence?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Marbella draws large crowds to its stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Marbella or Florence Better for Families?

Marbella is a great resort town 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, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Florence Better for Couples?

Marbella and Florence are both amazing to visit as a couple.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Florence is a great resort town for couples, as it 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 Marbella or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella 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.

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Is Marbella or Florence Better for Students?

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

Florence is a great destination 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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Florence is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Marbella 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.

Marbella is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Florence?

Both Marbella 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 Marbella. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

Couples should spend more time in Marbella than Florence. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Marbella that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

The beautiful resort town of Marbella offers shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The beautiful city of Florence 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.

A weekend in Marbella or Florence?

Marbella is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Marbella or Florence?

Marbella is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Florence?

Marbella is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers something for everyone.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Florence. The summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Florence during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Florence. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Florence. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marbella is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Florence. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Florence. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marbella or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

Marbella is a little warmer than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Florence. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Marbella