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

Should you visit Wellington or Florence?

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

Should I visit Wellington 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, 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.

Wellington and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wellington or Florence?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Florence than Wellington, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Wellington is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Florence is more touristy than Wellington 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). Wellington is well known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches.

How is Wellington different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Wellington 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 Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Florence is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Wellington is an experience not to be missed. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Wellington or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Wellington is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Wellington has something for everybody. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Wellington or Florence Better for Beaches?

Wellington is a great city for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wellington. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Wellington or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Wellington does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Florence can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Wellington or Florence Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

Wellington has hiking trails worth exploring. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Florence?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Wellington and Florence.

Wellington is well-known for its shopping. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

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 Wellington or Florence Better for Families?

Wellington 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, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Wellington or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Wellington or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Wellington is a great 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 Wellington can get you to some places easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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

Is Wellington or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Florence. Most people explore the city on foot.

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Florence?

Both Wellington 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 Wellington. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Wellington, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

Couples should spend more time in Florence than Wellington. 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 Wellington 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 Wellington or Florence?

The city of Wellington offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Florence, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Wellington or Florence?

Wellington 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wellington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Florence, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wellington or Florence?

Wellington is a popular choice for travelers. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wellington or Florence?

Wellington is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Florence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wellington or Florence?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Florence?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Florence has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Wellington or Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Florence. Many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Wellington is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In Wellington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Wellington usually receives more rain than Florencein July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wellington or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Florence. Many visitors come to Wellington in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Wellington is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wellington in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F)in October.

In the autumn, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Florencein October. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets less rain in April than Florencein October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Wellington is generally a little warmer than Florencein January. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 10°C (49°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Wellington. In July, Wellington usually receives more rain than Florencein January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wellington or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Wellington during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

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

In the spring, Wellington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florencein April. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in October than Florencein April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Wellington