A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Varenna 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 Varenna 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.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Florence

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

Varenna and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Florence?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Florence than Varenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Florence is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Varenna is more popular for its hiking. Florence is more touristy than Varenna 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). Varenna is well known for its beautiful location by Lake Como.

How is Varenna different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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 Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

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

Eat your way through Varenna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Florence is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Varenna or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Varenna 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.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Varenna or Florence Better for Hiking?

Varenna is a great village for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Varenna for the hiking trails. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Florence?

Florence is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Many visitors go to Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Varenna or Florence Better for Families?

Both Varenna and Florence are notable family-friendly destinations.

Varenna is a family-friendly village. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Florence. 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 Varenna or Florence Better for Couples?

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

Varenna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Is Varenna or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna 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.

Varenna is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Varenna and Florence.

Varenna has some public transit options. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

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 Varenna or Florence a more walkable city?

Varenna and Florence are world-class when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Varenna. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Florence?

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

Families should spend more time in Florence than Varenna. 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 Varenna. 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 Varenna 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 Varenna or Florence?

The beautiful village of Varenna offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Florence, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Varenna or Florence?

Varenna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this village makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Varenna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Florence, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer.

Five days in Varenna or Florence?

Varenna is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Varenna or Florence?

Varenna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This village offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. In Florence, you'll find museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Varenna and Florence, we can see that Varenna 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 Varenna Expensive? and Is Florence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna 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 Varenna 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 Varenna or Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Florence. Many visitors come to Varenna 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.

Varenna is around the same temperature as Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In Varenna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Varenna usually receives more rain than Florence. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Varenna or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Florence. Most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking trails, 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, Varenna is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varenna in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Florence. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Varenna usually gets more rain in October than Florence. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Varenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

The weather in Varenna can be very cold. In January, Varenna is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 5°C (41°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Varenna usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varenna usually receives more rain than Florence. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Varenna or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Varenna during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

Varenna is around the same temperature as Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Florence. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets more rain in April than Florence. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Varenna