A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coimbra vs. Florence for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Coimbra or Florence?

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

Should I visit Coimbra 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.

Where Should I go: Coimbra or Florence?

Coimbra

Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.

Florence

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Florence or Coimbra?

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 Coimbra is €138, 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 Coimbra and Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Florence 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Florence 174
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Florence

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra 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.

Hotels in Coimbra


Hotels in Florence


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Florence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Florence 22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova : $298
  • Private Transfer Coimbra to Take Christ's Convent : $274
  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $161
  • Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $159
  • Private transfer in Coimbra City : $95

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    25
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    30
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    5.00
  • Bus From Airport
    5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer: Peretola Airport (FLR) to Florence City Center: $88
  • Transfer from Florence to Arezzo with a stop at The Mall Outlet: $180
  • Transfer from Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $70
  • Transfer Florence - Bologna with stop at the Barberino Outlet: $156
  • Taste of Tuscany San Gimignano Winery with Transfer from Florence: $228
  • Private transfer Florence Peretola Airport from or to Siena City : $224
  • Private transfer Florence Peretola Airport from or to Pisa City: $273
  • Private transfer Florence Airport / Hotel Florence: $144
  • Private transfer: $282
  • Private direct transfer:Florence to Pisa, English speaking driver: $180
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Florence (hotel OR airport pick-up): $118
  • Private Transfer from SMN Train Station to Florence: $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence and Coimbra 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Coimbra 83
    Florence 62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tomar Cooking Class & Garden-to-Table Meal with Lake Views: $142

Typical Food Prices in Florence

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:


  • Panini Sandwich
    6.50
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Florence Old City Street Food Tour and Guided Sightseeing: $35
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Lunch or Dinner: $35
  • Food Tour of Traditional Eateries and Wine Pairings: $36
  • Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $46
  • Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence: $48
  • Florence Street Food Tour and sightseeing with Central Market: $51
  • Florence's Food Tour with Authentic Local Tastigs and Sightseeing: $51
  • Florence Street Food Tour with Walking Sightseeing and Local Guide: $51
  • Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine: $53
  • Hands-On Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class: $53
  • Cooking Class in Florence Pasta & Tiramisu Making Unlimited Wine: $54
  • Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine: $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Florence 30

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Coimbra : $218
  • A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $155
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coimbra: $89
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $89
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $155
  • Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $89
  • Buggy Tour in Serra da Lousã 2Hours: $143
  • Buracas do Casmilo Private Hiking Tour from Coimbra: $101
  • Coimbra Adventure Discovery and Learning with a Local: $42
  • Coimbra City Tour : $24
  • Coimbra Downhill Tour Highlights History and Student Traditions: $5.96
  • Coimbra Downtown Walking Tour with uptown insights : $5.96

Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence

For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Admission to Uffizi
    11
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    4.00
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    100
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    20
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    6.00
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Florence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.

  • Accademia Gallery Skip the line Tickets : $41
  • Best of Florence walking tour & Accademia Gallery- monolingual small group tour: $76
  • Medici Walking Tour -Small Group : $35
  • Uffizi & Accademia Highlights: Skip The Line Combo Guided Tour: $108
  • 1-Hour Mythological Tour in Piazza della Signoria: Experience for Children: $54
  • 2-Hours Walking Tour in Florence: $180
  • 3 Hours Private Tour with Personal Photographer in Florence: $167
  • 3-Hour Private Photographic Tour in Chianti and Val d'Orcia Florence: $60
  • 4 Wines & 2 Olive Oils Tasting in Chianti Winery with Tour : $42
  • 4-hour Accademia and Uffizi Small-group Guided Tour: $167
  • A Food Lover Tour in Florence: $101
  • Academia Gallery Skip-the-Line Priority Entrance Tickets: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Florence 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:

  • Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $72
  • Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $251

Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    4.20
  • Bottle of Wine
    7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $18
  • Winery tour and wine tasting of organic Chianti wines and extra virgin oil: $24
  • Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $25
  • Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $27
  • Wine Tasting Experience near Florence: $30
  • Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $36
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience in the heart of Tuscany: $36
  • Wine Tasting in an Authentic Tuscan Cellar in Radda in Chianti: $38
  • Montefioralle Winery - Tour and Wine Tasting in Chianti: $42
  • Chianti Half Day Wine Tour from Florence: $42
  • Wine Tasting of Brunello with Tuscan Cold Cuts and Cheese: $47
  • Winery tour & wine tasting in Montalcino: $48


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

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


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Florence?

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

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.

Should I visit Coimbra or Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Florence. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Coimbra is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 23°C (73°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coimbra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Florence. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Florence 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Florence. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Coimbra is a little warmer than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Coimbra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coimbra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Florence. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Florence 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Coimbra is much warmer than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coimbra in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Coimbra. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Florence. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Florence 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Coimbra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In April, Coimbra is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 15°C (59°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the spring, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Florence. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Florence. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Florence 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Florence and Coimbra

Coimbra Florence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (61°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)