Venice vs Florence: Canals or Renaissance art?
Venice is unique: 118 islands, no cars, only boats. Florence is the Renaissance capital: Michelangelo's David, Brunelleschi's dome, Tuscan cuisine.
Updated: 22 July 2026 · compiled by the CheapTrips editors
Choose Venice for canals, gondolas and San Marco. Choose Florence for Renaissance art and Tuscan charm. Flights from the Netherlands take about 1 hour 55 to Venice and about 2 hours to Florence. On price, Florence is a little cheaper. For a first visit most travellers pick Florence.
Venice
Venice is unique on earth: 118 little islands, no cars, only boats and footbridges. San Marco, gondolas on the Grand Canal and the most beautiful cicchetti bars (Venetian tapas).
Flight from NL: €80 return
View Venice →Florence
Florence is the city of the Renaissance: Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Brunelleschi's dome, all within ten minutes' walk.
Flight from NL: €100 return
View Florence →Venice vs Florence at a glance
| Venice | Florence | |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight from NL | €80 return | €100 return |
| Flight time from Schiphol | about 1 hour 55 | about 2 hours |
| Coast / beach | No | No |
| Museums | Good | World-class |
| Nightlife | Quiet | Quiet |
| Winter weather | Cool | Cool |
| Best months | April, May, June, September | April, May, June, September, October |
| Ideal length | 2 days | 2 days |
| Price level | €€€€ | €€€ |
Venice and Florence are both popular for a trip from the Netherlands, but they feel quite different. Venice is known for canals, gondolas and San Marco, while Florence is about Renaissance art and Tuscan charm. On price, Florence is a little cheaper. Venice ideally needs 2 days, while you can see Florence well in 2 days. The best months are April, May, June, September for Venice and April, May, June, September, October for Florence. Want to combine them: The high-speed train runs in about 2 hours between Venice and Florence. All prices below are indicative and based on return flights from Schiphol or Eindhoven outside the school holidays.
Best time to visit compared
Venice
April to June and September to October: 18-25 degrees, fewer mosquitoes. Avoid July/August (hot, busier than ever). Carnival in February is magical but much more expensive. November is acqua alta season (flooding).
Florence
April-May and September-October: 18-25°C, shorter queues at the Uffizi. Avoid July/August (35°C+ and dusty). November-March is cheap and quiet, perfect for museum lovers, but with a higher chance of rain.
Flights + transfer from the Netherlands
Venice
Directly from Schiphol to Venice Marco Polo (VCE) in 1 hour 50 minutes. KLM, easyJet, Transavia. Alilaguna-waterbus to San Marco €15 in 75 minutes.
Florence
From Schiphol to Florence Peretola (FLR) in 2 hours 5 minutes. KLM and Vueling, limited flights; alternatively via Pisa Galileo (PSA) with a train connection (€10, 70 min). Locally: everything is walkable, or take the bus €1.50.
Costs compared
Venice
Hostels from €30, mid-range hotels €110 to 180, vacation rentals €120 per night. Food: cicchetti €1.50 each, lunch €15, dinner €25 to 40. Waterbus 24h €25.
Florence
Hostels from €30, mid-range hotels €110-170, vacation rentals €120 per night. Food: cantucci €2, panini at All'Antico Vinaio €7, traditional dinner €30-40.
Who is it for?
Choose Venice if you are...
Romantic couples, a once-in-a-lifetime visit, gondola dreamers.
Choose Florence if you are...
Art lovers and foodies who want a practical, walkable city.
Our verdict
Florence is cheaper and has more to see. Venice is iconic but gets overcrowded. Train 2h between them.
Plan your trip
Frequently asked: Venice or Florence
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Discover these destinations
See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.