A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seoul vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

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Should you visit Seoul or Florence?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Florence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

Seoul is a bustling, modern, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

How is Seoul different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Seoul or Florence better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Plenty of people visit the sights and museums in both Seoul and Florence.

Many visitors head to Seoul specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

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.


Is Seoul or Florence better for Food?

Both Seoul and Florence offer good local cuisine.

Seoul has long been recognized as a culinary destination. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).

Known for it's food scene, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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 Seoul or Florence better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Florence are comparable when it comes to partying.

Seoul offers plenty to do in the evening. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

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 Seoul or Florence better for Shopping?

Both Seoul and Florence are good shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Seoul make it a world-class shopping destination. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.

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.

Is Seoul or Florence better for Families?

You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Florence.

Seoul is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.

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 Seoul or Florence better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Florence are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Seoul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Seoul or Florence better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

While Seoul and Florence are both good for backpackers, overall Florence is more popular.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

Is Seoul or Florence better for Students?

Seoul and Florence are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Seoul is very popular with students. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.

Florence is a great destination 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.

Is Seoul or Florence better for Public Transit?

While Florence and Seoul both provide public transit, overall the system in Seoul is considered to be better.

Seoul has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

While Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.


Is Seoul or Florence a more walkable city?

Seoul and Florence both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Seoul is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.

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

Seoul and Florence: Pros and Cons

Seoul
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less popular with backpackers
Florence
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Public transit not as usable


Should I spend more time in Florence or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Florence?

Both Seoul and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Seoul is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Florence is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Seoul or Florence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Seoul 3-7 
    Florence 2-7

One day in Seoul or Florence?

Seoul is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Seoul or Florence?

Seoul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 around the area.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Seoul or Florence?

Seoul is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seoul, five days is sufficent for most. The entire area has lots to do.

Florence is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Seoul or Florence?

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

In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this iconic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week here when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. One week is often enough time to spend here.

Which city is cheaper, Florence or Seoul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $93, while the average daily cost in Florence is $126. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Seoul and Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Seoul $47
    Florence $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Seoul $94
    Florence $146

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Seoul $13
    Florence $18
Typical Local Transportation prices in Seoul

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:


  • Subway Card
    $3.91
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $5.47
  • Metro Ride
    $1.06
  • Seoul City Pass Plus
    $7.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:

  • Seoul ⇄ Alpensia / Yongpyong Ski Resort Private Van Transfers: $469
  • Summer Activity in Korea: Water Leisure Tour at Gapyeong with Private Transfer: $360
  • Incheon Airport / Seoul ⇄ Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski Resort Private Van Transfers: $267
  • Incheon Airport Transfer- Private Service between Airport and Seoul (1-13 pax): $200
  • Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-9 pax): $125
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Gimpo Airport (1-9 pax): $125
  • Departure Private Transfer Seoul City to Seoul Airport ICN by Business Minivan: $123
  • Departure Private Transfer Seoul City to Seoul Airport ICN by Luxury Sedan: $123
  • Private Transfer from Seoul Hotels to Incheon Int'l Airport: $120
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-9 pax): $120
  • 1- Day Private Seoul or Outskirts Tour (Round-trip transfer to your hotel): $120
  • Everland Themepark Private Round trip Transfer + Ticket from Seoul: $115

Typical Local Transportation prices in Florence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    $8.41
  • Taxi from Airport
    $26
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    $32
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    $5.26
  • Bus From Airport
    $5.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Florence Hotel to Airport: Shared Departure Transfer (max 8 people): $21
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Florence Hotels to Florence Airport: $26
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Peretola Airport (FLR) to Florence City Center: $30
  • Private Departure Transfer from Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $30
  • Private Departure Transfer: Florence Train Station: $33
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Florence City to Amerigo Vespucci Airport: $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Florence Peretola Airport FLR to Florence City: $35
  • Private Departure Transfer from Florence City to Florence Peretola Airport FLR: $35
  • Private Business Transfer from Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $36
  • Private Business Transfer from Peretola Airport (FLR) to Florence City Center: $36
  • Private Airport Transfer: Florence Airport (FLR) to Florence: $36
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Florence to Florence Airport (FLR): $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence and Seoul change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Seoul $26
    Florence $27
Typical Food prices in Seoul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:


  • Rice with Kimchi & Bacon
    $4.69
  • Waffle
    $0.78
  • Dippin' Dots
    $1.56
  • Chicken Fried Rice
    $4.30
  • Chicken Stick
    $1.56
  • Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew
    $1.49
  • Lunch Buffet
    $4.69
  • Donut
    $0.78
  • Mushroom Burger
    $4.07
  • Green Tea Ice Cream
    $2.58
  • Udon & Sushi
    $5.47
  • Fresh Burger
    $3.75
  • Soba Noodles Lunch
    $3.52
  • Bibimbap Lunch
    $3.91
  • Fried Rice
    $4.30
  • Vietnamese Dinner
    $7.43
  • Breakfast and Coffee for 2
    $7.43
  • Donut
    $1.96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.

  • Night Market Food Tour: $48
  • Traditional Korean Cooking Class (Kimchi) & market tour with chef Joungy: $51
  • Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour: $56
  • Small-Group Korean Cooking Class in Seoul: $56
  • Traditional Cooking Experience in Korean Style House in Seoul: $58
  • Secret of Banchan (side dish) cooking!: $61
  • Traditional Korean cooking class and market visit in Seoul: $62
  • Private 3-Hour Korean Cooking Class in Seoul: $68
  • Local Flavors of Seoul at Night: Street Food Tour: $70
  • Eat like a local! Most authentic Seoul food tour: $79
  • Historic Jongro District Authentic Food Tour in Seoul: $81
  • Gwangjang Market Food Tour including Lunch: $82

Typical Food prices in Florence

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:


  • Panini Sandwich
    $6.84
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Italian Fresh Pasta Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $40
  • Vegetarian pasta cooking class and dinner in Florence: $54
  • Cooking with Kids 3-Hour Experience: $60
  • Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62
  • Handmade Pasta and Dessert Cooking Class with Dinner: $62
  • Handmade Tagliatelle cooking class in Florence: $72
  • Pizza Dinner and Opera Arias Concert: $74
  • Food Tour in 3-Hour Walking Tour: $76
  • 4-Course Cooking Experience in Florence: $78
  • Tuscan Cooking Course with Dinner: $78
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class at a Farmhouse in Tuscany: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Seoul $23
    Florence $25
Typical Entertainment prices in Seoul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:


  • Palace Tickets
    $6.26
  • Movie Ticket
    $6.26
  • Kimchi Museum
    $2.35

Tours and Activities in Seoul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:

  • "Nami Island" & "Petite France" or "Garden of Morning Calm" ※ Private Tour: $97
  • "Parasite" Filming Location Afternoon Tour with Free Jjapaguri(Ram-don): $44
  • 'My Love From The Star' TV Tour Including Petite France: $120
  • (Private) 9-Days Tasty Journey Around South Korea Tour: $3,475
  • 1 Day Seorak Mt. Private Tour: $314
  • 1 day Jeonju City tour by KTX Train from Seoul: $390
  • 10 Day Essential Korea Tour(Seoul, DMZ, Busan, Gyeongju, Andong, Jeju): $4,306
  • 1Day Customizable Private Daegu tour from Seoul by KTX train: $462
  • 2 Day Essential Tour-Nami Island,Petite Fr. and Mt.Seorak(Inc. Accom. & 4 Meals): $741
  • 2 Day Private: Rakkojae Korean Cultural Heritage Tour via Andong Hahoe Village: $654
  • 2 Day Tour for Seoul City/Nami, Petite,Garden of Morning Calm(Inc. Lun. & Din.): $555
  • 2 Days Gyeongju Private Tour from Seoul and Near Seoul: $490

Typical Entertainment prices in Florence

For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Admission to Uffizi
    $12
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    $4.21
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    $105
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    $21
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    $6.31
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    $7.36

Tours and Activities in Florence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.

  • - Leonardo Interactive Museum® Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • Leonardo Da Vinci Museum Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • Florence Highlights Virtual Guided Tour (Times in EST): $11
  • Reserved Entry Ticket to the Boboli Gardens: $14
  • Florence Duomo Reserved Time Entrance Tickets: $14
  • Florence Animal Art Treasure Hunt Family Tour: $17
  • Skip the Line: Medici Chapels Ticket: $19
  • Skip the Line: Florence Accademia Gallery and Michelangelo's David Ticket: $24
  • Virtual Tour - Wine in Tuscany - History, art and curiosities... How to appreciate it: $25
  • Accademia Gallery Fast-Track Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: Palazzo Vecchio Museum Ticket with Tower & Battlement Access: $26
  • Medici-Themed Bike Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Seoul $10
    Florence $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul

Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Seoul Pub Crawl and Party with Free Shots: $24
  • Pub Crawl and Party at City's Best Bars and Clubs: $25
  • 3-Hour Small Group Korean Pub Crawl + Food Tasting in Hongdae: $86

Typical Alcohol prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    $4.42
  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.89

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • 60-Minute Wine Tasting Tour: $45
  • Chianti: Authentic Wine Tasting Experience from Florence: $52
  • Sunset Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $62
  • Florence Sunset Wine Tour: $64
  • Pienza and Montepulciano Full-Day Wine Tour: $79
  • From Tuscany Wine Tasting Full-Day Trip: $87
  • From Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany: $90
  • Florence in 3 Wines: Exclusive Wine Tasting with an Expert & Food Pairing: $136
  • From Tuscany by E-Bike with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $147
  • Private Ramble Through The Rolling Hills Of Chianti (6 h) + Lunch & Wine tasting: $174
  • Just a Taste but What a Taste - Half Day Wine Tour in Tuscany (Private Tour): $180
  • Florence Wine Tasting and Tuscan Lunch in a Vintage Fiat 500: $187

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Florence, we can see that Florence is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and Florence is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul 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 Seoul.

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Seoul vs. Florence Travel Comparison

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