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

Should you visit Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a friendly, historic, and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence than Montpellier, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Florence is more popular for its museums, food, and impressive beauty, while Montpellier is known for its beaches. Florence is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Montpellier different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Florence on the map. 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.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Florence is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Montpellier or Florence Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Montpellier or Florence has a better nightlife scene.

Montpellier has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

If you're looking for night time activities Florence has a few options to choose from. 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 Montpellier or Florence Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a great city for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Montpellier. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Montpellier and Florence.

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

The rich history of Florence can be explored in its historical center. 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 the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Florence?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Florence and Montpellier.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Montpellier or Florence Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Florence are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Florence offers lots of family activities. 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 Montpellier or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Montpellier is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Montpellier or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Florence is a very popular city to visit 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.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Montpellier or Florence Better for Students?

Montpellier and Florence are world-class places to visit for students.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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.

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

Montpellier 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 Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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

Is Montpellier or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Florence?

Both Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

Families should spend more time in Florence than Montpellier. 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 Montpellier. 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Florence?

The beautiful city of Montpellier offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Montpellier or Florence?

Montpellier 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, 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 Montpellier or Florence?

Montpellier 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical 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 Montpellier or Florence?

Montpellier is a great place to explore. 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 city 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 in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Montpellier during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 23°C (73°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the summer, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Florence. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in July than Florence. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Florence. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Florence. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Montpellier or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Florence. The winter months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In the winter, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montpellier in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Florence. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

In April, Montpellier is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 13°C (55°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Florence during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Florence. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Montpellier