Which place is cheaper, Florence or Venice?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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 Venice and Florence can help you decide which place is right for you.
Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come to Venice because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Venice travel costs.
Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come to Florence because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Florence travel costs.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence than Venice, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Florence is more popular for its food and nightlife, while Venice is known for its shopping and quaint atmosphere. Venice is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Florence is popular 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).
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florence and Venice. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Florence and Venice.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
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.
Florence is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 and cabbage soup. You'll also find all of your favorite Italian staples and many great family-owned trattorie.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Venice makes for a great culinary experience. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables. Many of the restaurants are excellent, but head into the local neighborhoods for the best options.
Florence is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.
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.
Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.
Venice and Florence are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.
The historic old town of Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.
With a famous historical old-town, Florence offers plenty to see. 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.
Venice 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, Venice draws large crowds to its stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.
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.
You'll find a similar quality of terrific scenery and beauty in both Venice and Florence.
Many visitors also come to Venice because of it's amazing beauty. The city's beautiful canals, architecture, and gondolas make it among the most stunning and unique places to visit in the world.
You'll find world class beauty in Florence as well. The city's beautiful architecture and impressive gardens make it among the most beautiful cities in the world.
Venice is a great 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, Venice is very family-friendly. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.
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.
Both Venice and Florence are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.
For those traveling as a couple, Venice has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.
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.
Florence is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Backpackers come from all over to visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.
For students, both Venice and Florence are terrific places to visit.
Students come from all over the world to visit Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.
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.
Venice is an unbeatable place 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.
Visitors in Venice can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.
Florence has a few public transit options. The city has a comprehensive bus system.
Venice and Florence are terrific when it comes to walkability.
Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.
It is easy to get around Florence on foot. Most people explore the city on foot and the striking beauty and and pedestrian-friendly areas make it a great place to wander. During peak seasons, the streets can get crowded.
For even more information, also check out Is Venice Worth Visiting? and Is Florence Worth Visiting?.
Both Venice and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 2-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Venice than Florence. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Venice, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Venice 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.
The beautiful city of Venice 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.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Venice 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 Venice, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Venice is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Venice 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 Venice has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the artistic destination of Florence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Venice is €276, while the average daily cost in Florence is €180. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Venice and Florence in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Venice or Florence? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:
Also for Venice, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Florence and Venice 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:
For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Venice and Florence, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Florence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Florence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florence 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Florence.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Venice Expensive? and Is Florence Expensive?.
Florence has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Venice 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.
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.
Both Florence and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Venice is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 23°C (73°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Florence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. Venice usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Venice usually receives more rain than Florence. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Florence and Venice during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Venice is cooler than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Venice often gets less sunshine than Florence. Venice gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.
Venice usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Florence. Many visitors come to Venice in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Venice can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Venice is much colder than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Venice in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).
Venice usually receives less sunshine than Florence during winter. Venice gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Venice usually receives less rain than Florence. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Venice as well as Florence. Most visitors come to Venice for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Florence because of the natural beauty.
In April, Venice is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 13°C (55°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In the spring, Venice often gets less sunshine than Florence. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.
Venice usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Venice | Florence | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
May | 17°C (63°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
Nov | 8°C (47°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
Dec | 4°C (38°F) | 50 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |