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

Should you visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a professional, diverse, and bustling port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, 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.

Shanghai and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Florence?

Both Florence and Shanghai have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Shanghai is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Florence is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Florence is more touristy than Shanghai and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Shanghai is well known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade.

How is Shanghai different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the world-class sights and museums in both Shanghai and Florence.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Shanghai and Florence both to be world-class destinations.

Eat your way through Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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.

Is Shanghai or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Shanghai and Florence.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Shanghai or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Florence is revered around 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.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Florence?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Shanghai draws large crowds to its stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Shanghai or Florence Better for Families?

Shanghai is a great port 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, Shanghai is very family-friendly. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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 Shanghai or Florence Better for Couples?

Shanghai and Florence both world-class destinations for a couple.

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

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.

Is Shanghai or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city 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 budget travelers and backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Is Shanghai or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is a world-class destination for students. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

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

Shanghai is a great port city 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 Shanghai can get you to some places easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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

Is Shanghai or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Shanghai is a very walkable destination. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Florence?

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

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

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

Shanghai 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.

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 Shanghai or Florence?

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

Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shanghai, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Shanghai or Florence?

Shanghai 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 port 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Florence?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Florence. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Shanghai is a little warmer than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Florence. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Shanghai is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Florence. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai 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 Shanghai can be very cold. In January, Shanghai is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Florence. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Florence. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Florence. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Florence. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Shanghai