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

Should you visit Nice 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 Nice 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.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence. Although Nice and Florence are roughly the same size, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is better known for its museums and historical sights, while Nice is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is well known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Florence is well 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).

How is Nice different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Nice and Florence.

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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.

Is Nice or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Nice 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 Nice is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice or Florence Better for Resorts?

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

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Florence is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Florence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Florence Better for Beaches?

Nice is a great seaside destination for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Nice or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is renowned for its old town. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Florence?

Both Nice and Florence are high quality shopping destinations.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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 Nice or Florence Better for Families?

Both Nice and Florence are notable to visit with kids.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Florence is a family-friendly seaside destination. 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 Nice or Florence Better for Couples?

Both Nice and Florence are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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.

Is Nice or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is renowned for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Nice or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is renowned for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice is a great seaside destination 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 Nice can get you to some places easily. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Nice or Florence a more walkable city?

Nice and Florence both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Nice?

How long in Nice or Florence?

Both Nice 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 Nice. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

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

The beautiful seaside destination of Nice offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Florence. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nice or Florence?

Nice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Florence is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Florence?

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the historical destination of Florence. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Nice or Florence?

Nice 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 seaside destination offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the alluring city of Florence. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Nice and Florence, we can see that Florence is more expensive. And not only is Nice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nice 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 Nice.

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nice as well as Florence. Most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences.

Nice is around the same temperature as Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Nice usually gets less rain in July than Florence. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In the autumn, Nice is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nice in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. In October, Nice usually receives more rain than Florence. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nice or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Nice during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nice is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 9°C (48°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Nice usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Florence. Many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty.

Nice is around the same temperature as Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In April, Nice usually receives less rain than Florence. Nice gets 62 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 Nice