A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Florence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Florence than Saint-Etienne. Florence is bigger than Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne is more popular for its hiking. Florence is more touristy than Saint-Etienne 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). Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Florence?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Florence Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Saint-Etienne and Florence.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

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 Saint-Etienne or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Florence offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Florence Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne has hiking trails worth exploring. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Florence?

Florence is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Florence Better for Families?

Both Saint-Etienne and Florence are notable family-friendly destinations.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

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 Saint-Etienne or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Saint-Etienne or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne and Florence both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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

Is Saint-Etienne or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Florence?

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

Families should spend more time in Florence than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Florence?

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Florence. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Florence?

Saint-Etienne 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint-Etienne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Florence?

Saint-Etienne 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the alluring destination of Florence. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Florence?

Saint-Etienne 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 city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful city of Florence. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint-Etienne is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than Florence. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Saint-Etienne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Etienne in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Florence. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Florence. The winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. In January, Saint-Etienne is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 4°C (39°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Florence during winter. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Florence. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Florence. The natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Florence. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Saint-Etienne