A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Sorrento vs. Florence for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Sorrento or Florence?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sorrento and Florence can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a accessible, laid back, and colorful small city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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 artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sorrento and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sorrento or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence. Although Sorrento and Florence are popular destinations, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Sorrento attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Sorrento and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Sorrento is famous for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast.

How is Sorrento different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is renowned for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Florence that are not to be missed. 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Sorrento and Florence.

Many restaurants in Sorrento have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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.

Is Sorrento or Florence Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Sorrento or Florence has a better nightlife scene.

Sorrento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

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 Sorrento or Florence Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a great small city for its luxury resorts. However, Florence is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Florence is not a resort destination.

Is Sorrento or Florence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sorrento or Florence Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

Sorrento has a beach worth visiting. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Sorrento or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is renowned for its historic old town. However, Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Florence is one of the most recognized in 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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Sorrento or Florence Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is a great small city for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sorrento for the hiking trails. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sorrento or Florence?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Florence and Sorrento.

Sorrento is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

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 Sorrento or Florence Better for Families?

Sorrento is a great small 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, Sorrento is very family-friendly. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

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 Sorrento or Florence Better for Couples?

Both Sorrento and Florence are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sorrento is a great small city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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.

Is Sorrento or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento and Florence are first-rate places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sorrento is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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.

Is Sorrento or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is renowned for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Florence is a very popular city 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.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Sorrento is a great small 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 Sorrento can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

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

Is Sorrento or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is renowned for its walkability. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city on foot.

Sorrento is a very walkable small city. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Sorrento?

How long in Sorrento or Florence?

Both Sorrento and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Sorrento has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Sorrento than Florence. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sorrento, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

Couples should spend more time in Sorrento than Florence. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sorrento that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Sorrento or Florence?

The beautiful small city of Sorrento offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Sorrento or Florence?

Sorrento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 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 Sorrento or Florence?

Sorrento is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sorrento, 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 Sorrento or Florence?

Sorrento is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. This small 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Sorrento 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 Sorrento Expensive? and Is Florence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sorrento or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Sorrento 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 Sorrento 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 Sorrento or Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Sorrento during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sorrento is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sorrento in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sorrento. In the summer, Sorrento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Sorrento gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Sorrento usually gets less rain in July than Florence. Sorrento gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sorrento and Florence. The autumn months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In October, Sorrento is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Sorrento average around 17°C (63°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Sorrento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during autumn. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sorrento usually receives more rain than Florence. Sorrento gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sorrento or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sorrento as well as Florence. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sorrento is a little warmer than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Sorrento averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Sorrento often gets more sunshine than Florence. Sorrento gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sorrento usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Sorrento gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Sorrento are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sorrento is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sorrento in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Sorrento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during spring. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sorrento usually receives less rain than Florence. Sorrento gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Sorrento