A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Windsor vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Windsor or Florence?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Florence

Florence is a artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Florence?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Florence than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Windsor is more popular for its small town charm. Florence is more touristy than Windsor and is popular 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). Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

How is Windsor different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Windsor specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Florence.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

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 Windsor or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Florence?

Florence is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Florence is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Florence Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Florence.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

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 Windsor or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Windsor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Is Windsor or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Florence. 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is a world-class destination for students. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Florence.

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

While Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Windsor or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Florence?

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

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

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. 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 Windsor or Florence?

Windsor 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Windsor, 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 Windsor or Florence?

Windsor 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 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 Windsor or Florence?

Windsor is a great place to explore. 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.

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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Florence in the Summer?

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

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

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Florence. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Florence. Many visitors come to Windsor in the autumn for 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 the autumn, Windsor is cooler than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Florence. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Florence in the Winter?

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

Windsor can be very cold during winter. In January, Windsor is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Florence. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Florence. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Florence in the Spring?

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

Windsor is much colder than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Florence. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Windsor