Table of Contents
- 1 Overview of Florence vs. Rome
- 2 Florence vs. Rome – Which Would I Pick
- 3 Florence vs. Rome - Size
- 4 Florence vs. Rome - Art Museums
- 5 Florence vs. Rome - Attractions
- 6 Florence vs. Rome - History
- 7 Florence vs. Rome - Location & Day Trips
- 8 Florence vs. Rome - Cuisine
- 9 Florence vs. Rome - Atmosphere
- 10 Taking a Day Trip from Florence to Rome
- 11 Fitting Both Cities into Your Itinerary
- 12 Florence vs. Rome – Which One Will You Choose?
- 13 Pin it for Later
Last updated on February 17th, 2023
One of the most frequent questions people have about their trip to Italy is which is the better city to visit, Florence vs. Rome? Both are extravagant cities steeped in hundreds of years of fascinating history, grand architecture, and beautiful works of art.
My short answer to your question is both! If you can, that is. If you can only fit one into your Italy travel itinerary, it gets a little trickier. Both offer such a rich experience to visitors. And although they have a lot of similarities, there are several unique things about each.
Italy, in general, is an enchanting place. I am lucky to have visited multiple times, and I can confidently say that you will want to go back once you see it. However, if you are planning to visit Italy for the first time, you are most likely planning to visit some of the top destinations, including Florence and Rome.
I have visited both during my time in Italy and can honestly say I love each one, but for different reasons. Your choice will be based on what type of experience you are looking for. To help you make this almost impossible decision, I will compare both Italian cities for you.
Overview of Florence vs. Rome
| Category | Florence | Rome | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIZE | Smaller city that is easily walkable. | Large city that will require transportation to get around. | Florence |
| ART MUSEUMS | Home of the Renaissance with museums like Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’Accademia. | Famous places such as the Vatican Museum and Galleria Borghese. | Florence |
| ATTRACTIONS | Popular attractions: Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens, Duomo. | Popular attractions: Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican, and 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites. | Rome |
| HISTORY | Learn about the Renaissance and powerful Medici family | Learn more about the Roman Empire and dive deep into Italian history. | Rome |
| LOCATION & DAY TRIPS | Situated in the picturesque Tuscan countryside with dozens of day trip opportunities. | Few day trip opportunities to other cities, but close to attractions such as Ostia Antica and the Appian Way. | Florence |
| CUISINE | Known for the bistecca alla florentina and location where truffles are grown. The birthplace of gelato. | Known for dishes like pasta carbonara and cacio e pepe. Great place for Italian "street food". | TIE |
| ATMOSPHERE | Laid-back atmosphere with fewer tourist traps. Charming Italian streets. | Lively and fast-paced atmosphere with great opportunities for nightlife. | Florence |
Florence vs. Rome – Which Would I Pick
As you will hear me say several times, I love both cities for different reasons. I’ve had many wonderful memories from my travels to both places and would happily revisit each. But, if you are reading this post, as much as I’d keep saying to see both, chances are you may only have time to explore one.
So, if I had to choose which one to visit first, Florence would be my choice. For me, Florence was overall more charming and authentic. Although you cannot beat places like the Colosseum, it is overwhelming with crowds and street vendors.
I did not feel as many tourist traps in Florence and was much more relaxed visiting. Florence also gives you the chance to explore the Tuscan countryside, which was something that I incorporated into our itinerary.
Florence vs. Rome - Size
Reasons to Choose Florence
Although Florence is a larger city, it is much smaller than Rome. As a result, you can walk to the majority of attractions. In addition, you can stay pretty much anywhere in Florence and be able to get around on foot. Best of all, Florence is not especially tricky to navigate. Many times, people like to plan their accommodations based on what they want to do. In Florence, you have a more significant number of options and do not need to say right in the city center.
Planning your Florence itinerary is much easier because you can get everywhere on foot and do not need to rely on transportation. That is why the overall experience in Florence is much more laid back. You can enjoy the ancient streets along the way without having to be on a schedule.
Many places are nearby, so you can easily visit multiple locations in one day, with many restaurant options nearby. We were able to spend an entire three days here and not use any form of transportation except coming to and from the train station.
Reasons to Choose Rome
Rome is huge, and even if you stay close to the main attractions, you will most likely take a taxi or public transportation at some point. A few main attractions, such as the Forum and Colosseum, are near each other, but even visiting the Villa Borghese is too far on foot.
Rome is your place if you love the feel of larger cities. And for the nightlife, spend some time in Trastevere. This neighborhood is where you will find many locals and is close to one of Rome’s colleges. There are some excellent late-night bars and restaurants here, and the area is not so touristy.
TRAVEL TIP: I do not recommend renting a car while in Rome. The roads are tricky to maneuver, and there are some very intense sections to navigate if you are not from there.
Conclusion
Florence is a smaller city that is easily walkable, while Rome is much larger and will cause you to rely on some sort of transportation. City size will depend on your personal preference. I tend to lean towards the smaller cities and like the fact that I can walk everywhere. For that reason, Florence, for me, is the better choice.
Florence vs. Rome - Art Museums
Reasons to Choose Florence
Florence is known for being the home of the Renaissance. Many famous artists from that time have called this home, including da Vinci and Michelangelo. You can also find pieces from Raphael and Botticelli, to name a few.
One of the best galleries in Florence is the Galleria dell’Accademia. Famous works of art, including Michelangelo’s David, are located here. Another extravagant museum is the Uffizi Gallery, where you can see some famous art pieces, including Annunciation, The Birth of Venus, and Primavera. It is not hard to spend an entire day in Florence’s museums.
Reasons to Choose Rome
Although Rome is more known for its architecture and long history, several impressive museums are here. Most people are familiar with the Vatican Museum, home of the Sistine Chapel. The building has over 4 miles of corridors leading to magnificently decorated rooms and exhibits. It is one museum you would benefit from with the help of a tour guide.
There are many more museums in Rome that are just as impressive. However, my personal favorite is the gallery inside the Villa Borghese. Inside you will find a collection of sculptures from notable artists such as Bernini and many significant paintings. The villa was owned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, an avid art collector who built up a portion of the collection you can see today.
Conclusion
Florence is home to the Renaissance with museums like Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’Accademia. On the other hand, Rome is home to the extensive Vatican Museum and Galleria Borghese. Although both have several impeccable art galleries with some of the world’s best pieces, Florence would be the better city for art museums.
Florence vs. Rome - Attractions
Reasons to Choose Florence
The Duomo is one of the main sites in Florence. The large church is easily identified by its dome roof. The inside of the church is open to visitors. The best part of visiting the Duomo is climbing to the top. Another magnificent church is Basilica di Santa Croce. The church is also where you can find some impeccable pieces of art.
Another picturesque place to visit is the Ponte Vecchio. The old bridge spans the Arno River and is lined on either side with small shops selling various old jewelry and other novelty items. The bridge is so unique that it was spared during WWII because of its beauty.
Another interesting place to visit is Pitti Place. Cosimo de Medici bought the property in 1550 and is most known for its tie to the family. However, it was built much earlier by the original owner, Luca Pitti, in the 1400s. Now, the Pitti Palace houses five museums.
One of the most impressive parts of the Pitti Palace is its gardens. Thanks to the Medici family, we have the lushes maze of paths and vegetation to explore. The area is so big that you can grab a free map to help you find your way around. Don’t forget to stop by the intricately detailed grotto before you leave.
Reasons to Choose Rome
A short drive from Rome is Vatican City. Many do not know this, but Vatican City is its own country, located on the outskirts of Rome. The Vatican should be on everyone’s bucket list at some point.
St. Peter’s Basilica is free for all people to enter, but there is also the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel to explore. Gazing up at the Sistine Chapel and learning about some of the world’s most priceless works of art is something anyone can appreciate. I recommend you tour the museum at night. It is very magical during this time of day and much less crowded.
Of course, there are the most famous monuments of the Pantheon and Coliseum, which should be on everyone’s itinerary if they visit Rome for the first time. If you can, try to go early to the Colosseum for less of a less crowded experience. You should visit as part of a guided tour since there is so much fascinating history to learn. Some tour groups also include access to the Roman Forum.
TRAVEL TIP: If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing during your trip to Rome, make sure to get the Roma Pass. The pass includes entrance to Rome’s most popular attractions and free public transportation.
Lastly, there are, of course, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. We visited both of these at night, which was very romantic. Another great time to visit is early morning when there are fewer people. Grab some breakfast and coffee and have a quiet meal on the steps to start your day.
Unfortunately, something that was disheartening was the number of tourist traps around this beautiful monument. I felt like anywhere we went in the city’s center, we were bombarded with people trying to sell us something. The street vendors are highly aggressive and work in groups around the city, which really took away from the beauty of Rome. That being said, I would 100% go back. Just be mindful of this when you visit.
Conclusion
Florence is home to the Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens, Duomo, and much more. In contrast, Rome is where you find some of the most extraordinary sites of the ancient world, such as the Colosseum and Pantheon. Not to mention it is where you will find the Vatican. Most people venture to Rome for precisely this reason. With four UNESCO World Heritage sites, Rome has the edge regarding attractions.
Florence vs. Rome - History
Reasons to Choose Florence
Florence played a significant role in the Renaissance, still felt throughout the city today. Important figures like Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Galileo spent much of their lives here.
Not to mention the powerful Medici family who called Florence home. You feel their presence still at every corner you turn. The powerful family of bankers played a large role in European history and are one of the most interesting families to learn about.
Reasons to Choose Rome
If you are interested in learning about life in Italy over 2,000 years ago, then Rome is the best place for that. Founded in 625 BC, Rome significantly influenced the ancient world. The Eternal City was a powerhouse during this time and had both a turbulent and remarkable history.
There is no place like Rome when it comes to colossal monuments. Imagine walking down the street and seeing thousand-year-old ruins sitting next to a modern building. It is quite a sight to see. The Roman Forum is breathtaking and makes you imagine what the city was like in its glory days.
If history is the main focus of your trip, then Rome would be the city for you. You cannot top the history here. You can feel it wherever you go. If you can, try to visit Rome during the shoulder months of May, September, or October for a less crowded experience. Like you, many others will be flocking to the marvelous city.
Conclusion
For those who are interested in the Renaissance, then Florence is the place for you. However, for those wanting to learn more about the Roman Empire and dive deep into history, then Rome is a no-brainer. Seeing how Rome was a powerful civilization for over 1000 years, the history here can’t be beaten.
Florence vs. Rome - Location & Day Trips
Reasons to Choose Florence
Florence is located in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by some other charming villages such as Siena and Sam Gimignano. These are two spectacular places you can explore in just one day. Both are accessible by high-speed train in about an hour.
Not to mention the numerous amounts of wine tastings available around Tuscany. Book yourself a wine tour or join a small group that will take you to some medieval cities with a stop at a local winery for lunch.
You can even reach some further out destinations in under two hours, such as Cinque Terre if you want.
Cinque Terre is another great destination that only needs a day to explore (unless you plan to hike from town to town). Then, take the train or join a tour group to explore the Italian coast.
Are you interested in learning about some Florence day trips? Check out this post on day trips from Florence.
Reasons to Choose Rome
Rome is not as close to other famous cities, but there are several interesting sites to see on the outskirts of town. If you plan to stay in Rome for more than three days, you will be able to see all the main nights and have time to venture out a little further to some of the lesser-known areas.
Although there are few day trip opportunities, you can get to Pompeii in 2 hours by high-speed train. Most people come to Rome to experience the city. However, there are some ulterior things to do around Rome, such as exploring the Appian Way and visiting more UNESCO World Heritage sites like Villa Adriana.
You can also see the ancient port of Rome, Ostia Antica, which dates back to the 4th century BC. There are several different spots here, such as the Baths of Neptune and a large, well-preserved theater. Ostia Antica is not that far from Rome and can access as part of a tour group.
Conclusion
Florence is situated in the picturesque Tuscan countryside, close to many smaller villages with lots of opportunities for day trips. Rome is the base for visiting popular locations such as Pompeii and Naples. Overall, there are not nearly as many day trip options from Rome as in Florence. Plus, spending time in Tuscany alone makes Florence a winner regarding location.
Florence vs. Rome - Cuisine
Specialty Florence Dishes
Florence is known for being the birthplace of several delicious dishes. The large bistecca alla Florentina, and iconic Italian gelato were invented here. In addition, the decadent truffle is found around Tuscany. Best of all is the wine! Tuscany is one of the finest wine producing regions of Italy. Some of the top wines produced here are Chianti and Brunello.
I really enjoyed my meals in Florence. With every trip I plan, restaurant choice is something that I research extensively. But I do have to say the food I had here was some of the best of my trip.
The wine, of course, speaks for itself. To be fair, Italian wine is world-class, but as most of the wines are sourced locally, restaurant menus in Florence are flooded with Tuscan wines, which are my personal favorite.
When in Florence, stop by the Mercato Centrale. This large market has two floors dedicated to food. You can buy fresh produce, meat, and other delightful items on the bottom floor. If you climb to the second floor, you can find several restaurants. It is very similar to a food court in the way it is set up, but the food quality here is much better than in any food court you’ve ever been to. It’s a great place to go if you want a quick afternoon meal.
Specialty Roman Dishes
Like many cities in Italy, the food available depends on what is grown locally throughout the year. One of Rome’s iconic dishes is pasta carbonara and cacio e Pepe. However, even though these dishes are served worldwide, the quality is not even close to that in Rome.
My ultimate favorite Roman food is supplí. These large rice balls filled with cheese and mozzarella are deep-fried. They are the perfect late-night snack and a great quick bite. There are many places to buy supplí in Rome, but I recommend trying I Supplí in Trastevere. The extremely tiny restaurant has one large counter and a couple of stand-up tables. The restraint is no frills. The food speaks for itself. I Supplí was one place we found by chance, and we are so glad we did.
TRAVEL TIP: Whenever you visit any city, do not eat close to the main attractions. These restaurants are tourist traps and will not give you that authentic cuisine you came all that way to experience. Instead, research the best places to eat before you go.
Conclusion
This comparison is a hard one for me because the food in both cities is impeccable. However, I had several memorable meals in both places, and I am waiting to go back again and try. Florence is known for dishes such as bistecca alla florentina and is the birthplace of gelato. Rome is known for dishes such as pasta carbonara and cacio e Pepe. Based on my experience, they are equally matched. As long as you stay away from the tourist traps, it is hard not to find some tasty meals.
Florence vs. Rome - Atmosphere
Reasons to Choose Florence
Both Florence and Rome have some beautiful Renaissance architecture and old historic buildings. No matter where you turn, you are met with something extraordinary. Florence is a little more slow-paced with less of the hustle and bustle of Rome. It has such a relaxed atmosphere that makes for the perfect destination for couples and families. That being said, there are many places for you to explore at night. One of our favorite activities in Florence was sitting on our rooftop terrace drinking wine or taking a stroll at night when the streets were lit up.
Reasons to Choose Rome
On the other hand, Rome is a fast-paced city that is very busy. Especially near the center of the city, everything is much livelier here. Even though both towns are large tourist spots, you feel that a lot more in Rome. Surprisingly, at night Rome gets very quiet in some areas.
The nightlife is not as easily found, but it is there. Places like Trastevere are the parts of town to visit if you are looking for nightlife. They have a long path along the Tiber River with late-night bars, pop-up restaurants, stalls, music, and games. If you have not noticed, Trastevere is my favorite neighborhood in Rome. Stay there! Although you will be a little further out from the city center, it is a little quieter here, and you are closer to where the locals live.
Conclusion
Florence has a very laid-back atmosphere with fewer tourist traps. The city is quieter at night, but wonderful to walk around. Rome has a much more lively and fast-paced atmosphere with great opportunities for nightlife. But, again, this comes down to personal opinion. I really enjoyed Florence’s overall charm and felt like I could spend an entire week there. So for that reason, Florence would be the city with the better overall atmosphere for me.
Taking a Day Trip from Florence to Rome
Yes, it is possible to take a day trip from one city to the other. If you purchase tickets on the fast train, you can get between each in about an hour and a half. So if you leave early in the morning and come back late at night, you will have a little more than half a day to explore.
Although they are relatively close together, I really do not recommend taking a day trip to either one of these cities, not even if you are part of a tour group. Since they are both larger cities and have so many wonderful things to offer, it would not leave you any time to take in either place truly. Instead, you need a good 2-3 days in either city to allow you to see the main sites and get lost in the charming neighborhoods.
Visiting smaller towns like Cinque Terre and Siena is absolutely doable as they are much smaller and can be explored in half a day. However, many people stay in Florence or Rome precisely for the reason that they are a great base to explore the surrounding areas.
Fitting Both Cities into Your Itinerary
Are you still having trouble picking between the two? Well, maybe you don’t have to. Since both are only a short train ride from each other, you can easily visit the two back-to-back. The main reason for picking between the two is most likely time. The nice thing about these cities is that you can get to each quickly, which makes it much simpler to visit both in one trip.
If you can, spend two nights in each. You may have to compromise a little on where you go and what you see, but it leaves you enough time to experience both. I am confident that you will come back again.
How to Travel Between Rome and Florence
The fastest way to get between the two cities is by using the high-speed train, which takes about an hour and a half. When booking your tickets, you will most likely go from the Roma Termini station in Rome to Firenze S.M. Novella station in Florence. These are the main stations for both cities and will get you the closest to the central part of town.
A more cost-effective form of transportation is the bus. Bus tickets are about half the price of high-speed trains, but they do take much longer to get from one place to the other. Omio is a great bus company with great prices.
I don’t recommend taking a car to Rome. It is very congested in the city center. However, if you plan on exploring some smaller towns in the region, you can pick up a car near the train station, closer to the outskirts of town.
Florence vs. Rome – Which One Will You Choose?
For all the reasons I’ve listed, it is a hard decision to pick between the two. If you can fit both of them into your itinerary, I recommend doing so. But to sum everything up, if you are interested in a smaller, more intimate city, art, delicious wine, and day trips to the countryside, then Florence is the place for you. On the other hand, if you are more interested in a large, lively city with a long and turbulent history and great nightlife, then Rome is the best choice.
Either way, you can’t go wrong! But I know that once you visit one of these destinations, you will want to come back and visit Italy very soon.
Enjoyed this post? Check out some other Italian destinations!
Florence
- The 8 Best Day Trips from Florence
- Visit Florence Italy: Best Places to See, Stay, and Eat
- Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days in Florence
Rome
- 125 Captivating Rome Quotes to Inspire You
- Rome Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Trip
- Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days in Rome
- Visit Rome on a Budget: Tips and Free Attractions
Tuscany
- Visit the Beautiful Medieval City of Siena, Italy
- Palio of Siena: Guide to the City’s Historic Race
- Amazing Things to do in Montepulciano, Italy
Lake Como
- Top Things to do in Varenna, Lake Como
- Ultimate Travel Guide To Lake Como, Italy
- Top 12 Best Things To Do in Lake Como
- Visit Villa del Balbianello – Lake Como’s Most Beautiful Villa
Other Italy Posts
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION
- Rental Car: RentalCars.com is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with 900 companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
- Trains: Rail Europe is the leading company in Europe for train travel in Europe. They help you easily book passage by looking at routes, timetables, and prices for 50 different train companies.
- Bus: Omio is an easy website to use for booking train and bus tickets. Similar to Skyscanner, the website looks at hundreds of transport companies to get you the best deals.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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