A Travel Price Comparison for Italy San Remo vs. Florence for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit San Remo or Florence?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit San Remo or Florence? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

San Remo

San Remo is a scenic, authentic, and historic coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

San Remo and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Remo or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence than San Remo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Florence is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while San Remo is known for its beaches. Florence is more touristy than San Remo and is known 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). San Remo is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is San Remo different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Remo or Florence?

Florence is terrific for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Florence is terrific for its restaurants. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is San Remo or Florence Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Remo and Florence.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in San Remo. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

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 San Remo or Florence Better for Beaches?

San Remo is a great coastal city for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Remo. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is San Remo or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Florence has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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 is a nice variety of sights in the old town of San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Is the Shopping Better in San Remo or Florence?

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

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.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is San Remo or Florence Better for Families?

San Remo is a great coastal 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, San Remo is very family-friendly. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

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 San Remo or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is terrific for couples. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Florence makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is San Remo or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Florence, as it is a very popular city for 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.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

Is San Remo or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, San Remo is not popular with students.

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.

San Remo is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both San Remo and Florence.

San Remo has some public transit options. There are local buses around town.

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 San Remo or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or San Remo?

How long in San Remo or Florence?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Florence than San Remo. 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 San Remo 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 San Remo or Florence?

The beautiful coastal city of San Remo offers nightlife and food. 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.

The beautiful city of Florence offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in San Remo or Florence?

San Remo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal 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 San Remo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Florence 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in San Remo or Florence?

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

A week in San Remo or Florence?

San Remo 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 coastal city offers something for everyone.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between San Remo and Florence, we can see that Florence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, San Remo or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of San Remo 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 San Remo 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 San Remo or Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Remo and Florence. Many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In San Remo, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Remo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during summer. San Remo gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Remo usually receives less rain than Florence. San Remo gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Remo or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Remo as well as Florence. Many visitors come to San Remo in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

San Remo is around the same temperature as Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Remo averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, San Remo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. San Remo gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

San Remo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Remo usually gets more rain in October than Florence. San Remo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Remo or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and San Remo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, San Remo is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Remo in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

San Remo usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. San Remo gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, San Remo usually receives more rain than Florence. San Remo gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Remo or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and San Remo during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to San Remo because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In April, San Remo is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in San Remo average around 13°C (56°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, San Remo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. San Remo gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

San Remo usually gets less rain in April than Florence. San Remo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and San Remo