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

Should you visit Ravenna 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 Ravenna 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.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a authentic, historic, and off-the-beaten-path town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Ravenna and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ravenna or Florence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Florence than Ravenna. Florence is bigger than Ravenna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its small town charm. Florence is more touristy than Ravenna 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). Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Ravenna different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Ravenna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Ravenna or Florence Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Ravenna and Florence.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ravenna. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Florence has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Ravenna or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ravenna or Florence?

Florence is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Florence is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Ravenna or Florence Better for Families?

Ravenna is a great 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, Ravenna is very family-friendly. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, 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 Ravenna or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Ravenna or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Ravenna or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna is not popular with students.

Florence is a very popular place to visit 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.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Ravenna and Florence.

Ravenna has some public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

You'll find some public transit in Florence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Ravenna or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Ravenna?

How long in Ravenna or Florence?

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

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

Ravenna is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Ravenna or Florence?

Ravenna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ravenna, 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 Ravenna or Florence?

Ravenna 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 Ravenna or Florence?

Ravenna 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 town 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ravenna or Florence?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ravenna and Florence. Many visitors come to Ravenna in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Ravenna is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Ravenna usually receives more rain than Florence. Ravenna gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ravenna or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ravenna as well as Florence. Most visitors come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ravenna is cooler than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ravenna in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Ravenna usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Ravenna gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Ravenna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Ravenna 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.

The weather in Ravenna can be very cold. In January, Ravenna is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Ravenna average around 3°C (37°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In January, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Florence. Ravenna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ravenna or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Ravenna during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

Ravenna is cooler than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Ravenna usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Ravenna gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Ravenna