Florence vs Rome | Which is Best for Your Trip to Italy?

Planning a trip to Italy and debating Florence vs Rome? Luckily, I've visited both cities many times. I'll take you through what each destination has to offer and which will be best for you!

Italy is hands down one of my favorite countries to visit and has been for a very long time. I did, after all, study abroad in Italy, where I instantly fell in love with the food, culture, language, and history. 

I heartily recommend that everyone visit Italy at some point in their life. Exploring this beautiful and passionate country is life-changing.

If you're researching Florence vs. Rome, I can assume you have limited time in Italy, which will not allow you to visit both cities. Or, you are trying to figure out which city to spend more time in.

I'm sure Florence or Rome seems like an overwhelming decision, especially if you've never been to Italy. Fret not, I'm here to help! I’ve been to both Florence and Rome many times.

This post will discuss which city is best depending on what type of traveler you are and what kind of trip you're looking for. If you find yourself Googling Florence vs Rome…continue reading below so I can help steer you in the right direction.

Why decide between Florence or Rome if you can do both?

Before I go into my opinion on Florence vs Rome, let me first say that I am mildly obsessed with both. These are two spectacular cities that will not disappoint.

I've been visiting Florence almost every year for the last 10 years and Rome every 2 or 3 years. That is how special these cities are and how high they rank on my personal travel list.

I would highly recommend that everyone visit each city at some point in their life. My first suggestion would be to fit both cities into one visit. It’s actually quite easy to include both places on a short itinerary.

You can travel between Florence and Rome in as little as 1.5 hours via train. On the shortest itinerary, I would spend 2 full days in each city, fly into one city and out of the other. Simple, easy, and you get to experience the best of both worlds. 

SEE ALSO:

One Week in Italy | 5 Itinerary Ideas + Ways to Extend to 10 Days

The short and sweet answer to Florence vs Rome

Since you’re reading this post on Rome vs. Florence, I'll assume you are either short on time or would like to explore one city to the fullest. Therefore, fitting both destinations into your itinerary is not an option. 

If you want the quick answer on Florence or Rome, I would say Florence should be your first pick. Yes, Rome has the Colosseum and the Vatican, but I truly feel Florence gives a more well-rounded experience, isn't as overwhelming (it's smaller than Rome), and has some of the best day trip options from colorful coastal towns to the wine region of Tuscany.

While many argue that Rome has better food, I personally find that it's easier to find quality restaurants in Florence. There seems to be a greater number of low-quality, tourist-trap restaurants in Rome than in Florence. You'll have to spend more time researching restaurants in Rome to make sure you don't waste a meal at a subpar spot.

I've never had a bad meal in Florence. This is one of the few cities I'm comfortable popping into a restaurant without researching it.

Florence vs Rome - who should pick Florence

Florence is a top pick for lovers of food, art, wine, and fashion. It's 100% walkable, romantic, and offers plenty of day trip opportunities.

Florence has a soft spot in my heart. It's been on my "top 5" list for favorite cities in the world for about fifteen years. Firenze, home of the Renaissance, offers some of the most famous museums and art collections in the world.

Like most major European cities, you'll have your pick of palaces, cathedrals, and museums to visit.

Florence is also extremely picturesque. Charming side streets, river views, the colorful Mercato Centrale food market, lively piazzas (squares), and outdoor cafes lead to never-ending photo opportunities. It's a joy to wander.

Florence is 100% walkable and easy to get around

Florence wins the Rome vs Florence debate when it comes to walkability and ease of traversing the city. The city center of Florence is compact; all the major sights are within walking distance.

You won't have a problem filling your itinerary with remarkable things to do.

Walk across the Ponte Vecchio (famous bridge lined with shops) and browse the window displays filled with gold jewelry. 

Climb to the top of the Duomo, the main church of Florence, to see views of the city below and get a sneak peek at how the dome was constructed. 

Admire Michelangelo's David and browse the most impressive collection of Italian paintings in the world at the Uffizi. 

Cross the river and make the 20-minute hike up to Piazzale Michelangelo. This viewpoint will take your breath away. 

One of my favorite things to do in Florence is to visit Piazzale Michelangelo both early in the morning and at sunset. It's usually empty and beyond peaceful in the morning (also a great time to get pictures).

The sunset experience is completely different. You'll find locals and tourists sitting on the steps or gathered around the square (often with a bottle of wine), enjoying the display of evening colors. Watching the last rays of light touch the city of Florence is an experience that never grows old. 

To sum it up, you can fill your days without stepping into a car, tram, metro, or train once during your entire stay in Florence.

Rome, on the other hand, is much bigger with sights and attractions spread throughout the city. You'll need to learn the bus/metro system or be willing to pay for Uber/taxi rides.

It would be wise to plan your itinerary by "zones". If you don't, you could easily waste precious time running all over the city from sight to sight.

FLORENCE WINS THE FLORENCE VS. Rome DEBATE WHEN IT COMES TO RESTAURANTS

Florence also beats Rome when it comes to restaurants and cafes. 

Rome seems to have more low-quality tourist traps than Florence. Rome is a city where you need to do your research before booking your meals.

I've never had a bad meal in Florence. This is a city where you can pop into almost any restaurant (aside from ones that are obviously touristy, like those surrounding the Duomo) and have a good experience.

I also appreciate that Florence has an incredible coffee shop scene. There are several cafes where you can actually connect to WiFi and work on your laptop (something you'll be hard-pressed to find in Rome). 

The shopping scene in Florence is molto buono

If you're visiting Italy to shop, Florence has it all and is the birthplace of several world-renowned brands, including Ferragamo, Gucci, Cavalli, and Pucci.

Shop along Via de'Tornabuoni for the hottest designer names or go across the river for boutique shops and artisan workshops. 

Because Florence is a smaller city than Rome, I find it's a better shopping experience with the top shops being steps away from each other.

SEE ALSO:

WHERE TO STAY IN FLORENCE, ITALY | TOP AREAS + HOTELS

TOP 5 FLORENCE GELATO SPOTS

ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR VISIT TO FLORENCE – TRAVEL GUIDE

BEST TIME TO VISIT FLORENCE ITALY | IDEAL SEASONS & MONTHS

BEST VIEWS IN FLORENCE + MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES

Florence has an excellent selection of day trips

Florence is located in the Tuscan region and offers enough day trip opportunities to add another week to your itinerary. The opportunities really are endless. 

Join a group tour (or private tour) and spend the day in Cinque Terre. The string of colorful coastal towns with postcard perfect views.

The options for exploring the Tuscan region are endless. Pair rolling hills, medieval towns, quaint tasting rooms, and incredible wine into one memorable day. Join a tour to fully enjoy the experience...and the wine. 

• Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside - 4-hour tour visiting two wineries + olive oil tasting and snacks.
• Taste of Chianti: Tuscan Cheese, Wine and Lunch from Florence - full-day wine and food tour. Travel through the Tuscan hills by a 4x4 off-road vehicle, stopping to visit a wine estate and historic villa, and a cellar specializing in bottles of Chianti Classico, finish with a 3-course meal.
• Full Day Tuscany Wine Tour - made with 18 - 39-year-olds in mind.
• Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour from Florence - see it all with this tour; Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and lunch at a Chianti wine estate.

Another favorite day trip from Florence is Siena, a smaller version of Florence that feels a bit more medieval. Take the train and wander on your own or join a tour. I recommend fitting in more than one city if you're doing a tour. This tour visits both Siena and San Gimignano. This one combines Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano.

Several other notable places to visit via train from Florence are Pisa (45 minutes), Lucca (1 hour 15 minutes), and Milan (2 hours). You could even visit Venice for the day as it's 2 hours by train. Just be sure to take the earliest train.

If you prefer to base yourself in one place, Florence is an excellent choice as there are so many places to visit nearby via train, car, or tour group.

A summary of who should pick Florence

If you want a walkable city, endless day trip opportunities, and are focused on art, food, fashion, and wine, Florence is the right choice when debating between Florence or Rome. This is also an easy place to slow down and have a relaxing vacation or a romantic getaway.

Rome vs Florence - who should pick Rome

Rome wins the Florence vs. Rome debate for history buffs and those looking to see bucket-list sights

Travelers focused on exploring Roman history and seeing the most famous sights of Western civilization should choose Rome over Florence...the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican...just to name a few.

While Florence boasts famous museums, the Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio, Rome has the blockbuster sights.

These sights are truly mind-blowing and will leave you awestruck. Gaze upon the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, learn about the world of gladiators at the Colosseum, view the birthplace of Ancient Rome as you wander the Roman Forum, feel dwarfed as you take in the sheer size and grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, and admire Roman Engineering as you view the mathematically perfect Pantheon dome. 

If history is your thing, few cities can top what Rome has to offer. If you want to tick some of the most famous sights in the world off your bucket list, Rome will give you a handful. 

You may be wondering why Rome doesn't win the Florence vs. Rome debate given its impressive history and sights. In short, it doesn't really offer that Italian charm most visitors are looking for when coming to Italy. Rome is massive. Unlike Florence, you really can't get everywhere on foot. You'll have to get used to using the metro, bus, or calling a taxi.

Because of Rome's sprawling layout and the number of sights to see, Rome requires more planning than Florence. You really have to plan your day around which area to focus on since the city is so spread out.

The crowds in Rome are also massive. If you choose to visit Rome, I highly recommend visiting during shoulder or slow season (winter, early spring, and late fall). The crowds can really become overwhelming. 

Not to say that Florence doesn't have its own crowds. It can feel extremely congested in the top areas, like the Duomo. Rome just seems a tad more intense. 

Similar to beating the crowds in Venice, I found the best time to explore Rome was early in the morning, as in walking out the hotel door by sunrise.

This was one of the few moments I could actually enjoy sights like the Trevi Fountain or the Spanish Steps not crawling with tourists.

Late evening (11:00 pm and on) is also really special. It's much more crowded than early morning, but seeing the streets and sights lit up is incredible. 

Because Rome has been a tourist hotspot for eons, there's been plenty of time for restaurants to play the game of lowering quality and preying upon the unsuspecting visitor. You really must do your research on where to dine, as you have a much higher chance of wasting a meal at a subpar, overpriced trap.

See Also:

Best Gelato in Rome, Italy | Top 5 in Quality + Flavor

How Many Days in Rome Do You Really Need?

Unlike Florence, the location of Rome does not lend itself to an array of exciting day trips. Rome is not a place you spend extra nights so you can fit a few day trips in. You stay in Rome to see Rome and then move on.

Rome is special and has sights that will remain in your memory forever, but it doesn't scream romance or dolce vita. Instead, it's a place where you hit the main sights and run to other cities that really ooze Italian charm and character.

A summary of Rome vs. Florence

In summary, if you really want a taste of la dolce vita (the sweet life), head to Florence. Florence is walkable, has more day trip options than you could possibly fit into one trip, has some of the best food you'll ever taste, is charming and romantic, and will satisfy those hungry for art, fashion, food, and wine.

Choose Rome if it's the historical sights you're looking to check off your list: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, St. Peter's, and the Vatican.

Rome is a destination where you'll be busy running from place to place, as there is so much to see and do. It does not offer the incredible day trips that Florence has and lacks a bit of the romance and charm Italy is known for. But to say you've seen where Western civilization began...that's something.

Rome is an amazing destination, but it will take more planning and effort to ensure you have an enjoyable time and see all the sights on your list. Florence can be a bit more laid back and plan as you go (outside of the top sights like the David and Uffizi).

Are you looking to tick off bucket list sights and have a whirlwind trip, cramming as many ancient attractions in as possible? Then Rome it is.

Are you looking to experience Italian culture, art, shopping, and food? Maybe slow down and enjoy a romantic getaway or experience some spectacular day trips? Then Florence is for you!

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 Florence vs Rome - Which is best for your trip to Italy? 

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Come back after your trip! Share in the comments below your thoughts on the Florence vs. Rome debate, which city you picked, and why.