A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Volterra vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Volterra or Florence?

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

Should I visit Volterra or Florence? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Volterra

Volterra is a cultural, historic, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, 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.

Volterra and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volterra or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence. Although Volterra and Florence are popular destinations, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Volterra attracts visitors for its small town charm. Florence is more touristy than Volterra 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). Volterra is famous for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Volterra different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Many visitors head to Volterra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Volterra and Florence.

For foodies, Volterra is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

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 bed and cabbage soup.

Is Volterra or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Florence is a popular place for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Florence has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Is Volterra or Florence Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both Volterra and Florence.

Volterra has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or Florence?

Florence is well known for shopping. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Florence is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Volterra. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Is Volterra or Florence Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Volterra or Florence.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Volterra. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

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 Volterra or Florence Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Volterra and Florence make for a fantastic place to visit.

Volterra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

For those traveling as a couple, Florence has plenty to offer. 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 Volterra or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is terrific for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Florence is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

Is Volterra or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is terrific for students. However, Volterra is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Florence. 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.

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Florence is a popular place for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Florence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Volterra or Florence a more walkable city?

Volterra and Florence both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

Getting around Volterra on foot is easy. Most people explore the town on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Florence?

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

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

Volterra is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Volterra or Florence?

Volterra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Volterra, 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 Volterra or Florence?

Volterra 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 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 Volterra or Florence?

Volterra is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Volterra or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra 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 Volterra 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 Volterra or Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Volterra during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Volterra for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Volterra is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volterra 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 Volterra. In the summer, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets less rain in July than Florence. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Florence. Many visitors come to Volterra in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

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

Volterra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Volterra usually receives more rain than Florence. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Volterra or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Florence. Most visitors come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Volterra is around the same temperature as Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

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

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

In April, Volterra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Florence. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Volterra