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

Should you visit York or Florence?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Florence is very popular for its museums, shopping, and impressive beauty, while York attracts visitors for its nightlife. Florence is more touristy than York 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). York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

How is York different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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 York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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

Foodies will find both York and Florence both to be fantastic destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Florence Better for Nightlife?

York 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 York has something for everybody. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Florence Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Florence?

Florence is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Florence Better for Families?

York is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is a world-class destination for romance. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Is York or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Many backpackers visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Is York or Florence Better for Students?

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

York is not popular with students.

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

Both York and Florence offer nice public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Florence on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or York?

How long in York or Florence?

Both York 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 York. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

The city of York 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Florence. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Florence?

York 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 York, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Florence is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Florence?

York 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the artistic destination of Florence. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Florence?

York 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 city offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the iconic city of Florence. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Florence. Many travelers come to York for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, York is much colder than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Florence. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in July than Florence. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, York is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Florence. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to York 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.

York can be very cold during winter. York is much colder than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, York often gets less sunshine than Florence. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Florence. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Florence. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In the spring, York is much colder than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Florence. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and York