A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Messina 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 Messina 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.

Messina

Messina is a bustling, local, and historic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Messina and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence than Messina. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Florence is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Messina attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Messina and is popular 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). Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Florence that are not to be missed. 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.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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

Florence is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina 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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a great port 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 Messina has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

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 Messina or Florence Better for Beaches?

Messina is adequate for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Florence is one of the most recognized in 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.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Florence?

Florence is well known for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Florence is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Messina or Florence Better for Families?

Messina is a great port 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, Messina is very family-friendly. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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 Messina or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is renowned for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Florence is a great city 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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is renowned for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Florence is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 backpackers visit Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Is Messina or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is renowned for students. Also, Messina 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.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Messina and Florence.

You'll find some public transit in Messina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

While Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Messina or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is renowned for its walkability. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city on foot.

Messina is a very walkable port city. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Messina?

How long in Messina or Florence?

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

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

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

The port city of Messina offers food and shopping. 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, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Messina or Florence?

Messina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Messina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Florence, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Florence?

Messina 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 is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Florence?

Messina 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 port city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. In Florence, you'll find museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Florence in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Messina is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the summer, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Florence. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Florence in the Autumn?

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

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Florence. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Florence in the Winter?

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

Messina is much warmer than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Florence. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Florence in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Florence during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Florence. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Messina