Planning a trip to Italy and debating Florence vs Venice? Or perhaps you just want to know where you should allocate more time. I've been to both cities many times and will take you through what each place has to offer and which might be best for you!
Italy is one of my favorite countries in the world. The cuisine, weather, passionate locals, art, and varied landscapes offer plenty of reasons to visit again and again.
Two of the most popular cities in Italy are Florence and Venice. While they may be a mere 2 hours apart by train, they are very different.
If you're short on time and are not able to visit both, or you just want to know where to allocate more of your precious sightseeing time, I'm here to help with the Florence vs Venice debate.
Venice
Florence
Why decide between Florence or Venice if you can do both?
Before we get into Florence vs Venice, let me first say that both cities are worth a visit. They are similar in some ways and vastly different in others.
In a perfect world I would allocate 3 to 4 nights in Florence and 2 nights in Venice.
If you only have 3 or 4 TOTAL nights to work with, you could theoretically base yourself in one city and visit the as a day trip. A high-speed train connects Florence to Venice in just 2 hours, making day trips doable, though aggressive. While you'll only get a taste of the city you do as a day trip, you'll at least get to see both.
Here are some recommendations for the day trip plan:
Florence deserves a minimum of two days to explore the city and an additional day for visiting the medieval hill towns and wineries in the Tuscan countryside. Therefore, if you have 4 full days allocated to Florence, you could easily add in a day trip to Venice.
To go the other way around. Venice deserves at least one full day and two nights to get a taste of the island. If you have a third day in Venice, you could do a day trip to Florence.
If you're OK grabbing the earliest morning train and the latest evening train, you could make a day trip out of either Venice or Florence and then be able to see both.
If you're going to try visit both cities by making a day trip out of one, I (personally) would base myself in Florence. Do a day trip to Venice vs the other way around.
Venice
Florence
The short and sweet answer to Florence vs Venice
Since you’re reading this post on Florence or Venice, I'll assume you are either short on time or would like to explore one city to the fullest and not feel rushed. Therefore, fitting both cities into your itinerary is not an option.
The quick answer to Florence vs. Venice is...Florence.
Now, this is my personal opinion and I'll go into my reasoning below.
Overall, Florence is a better experience all around. There are more tourist sites and attractions, the food is better, and the day trip options are endless. While Florence is, of course, touristy, it's not quite as bad as Venice.
Over-tourism has really affected Venice and it kills me each time I visit to see the effects. You really have to time your trip right with Venice and make sure you go during shoulder season.
And while you may be thinking, "no problem", just wait. The big issue is that shoulder season is also flood season in Venice.
We will further discuss flood season and the small window visitors have to visit Venice with fewer crowds in detail below.
Venice also sees the dreaded cruise ship crowds that overwhelm the city in the afternoon. While the city is trying to combat over-tourism, like charging a minuscule fee for day trippers, I honestly don't foresee things improving much in the future.
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 vs. Venice - who should pick Florence
Florence
Venice
While Florence brings crowds, it's not as touristy as Venice
Florence is one of the most popular cities to visit in Italy, so it's not surprising that it can become extremely crowded during certain months. Yes, it may seem touristy in certain areas where top sights are located, but it's not as overwhelming as Venice.
Unlike Venice, where all the locals have been priced out of the main island, locals actually live in Florence.
Santo Spirito - Florence
Are locals hanging out by crowded sights like the Duomo? No. If you venture away from the hot tourist zones, you'll actually find Italians who live here. Venture across the river to the Santo Spirito area and you'll see locals grabbing a drink or taking an evening stroll.
When visiting Venice, I often feel the only Italians I come across are people working in tourism (hotels, restaurants, shops, etc.). Everyone else seems to be of every nationality except Italian.
I also notice a constant stream of massive tour groups...the kind that travels with 50+ people, have no regard for their surroundings, walk right in front of you as you're trying to admire a site, and proceed to snap five million photos as you patiently wait...it's really off-putting.
It really is a shame because Venice can be charming, but you have to really work and plan accordingly to experience that side of Venice.
I've also noticed that there are a lot more tourist traps in Venice. Shops selling junk, restaurants that are a complete scam, etc.
Florence has a longer shoulder season than Venice
The shoulder season for Florence is pretty straightforward. Mid-October through November and March through mid-May.
Venice is more complicated because of acqua alta.
Each year between October and January, Venice experiences flooding throughout the city. This is known as acqua alta (tall waters).
The highest chance of acqua alta is (in this order) November, December, and October. If you're a "go with the flow" person and won't be upset if you experience a flooded Venice, you could try fall. Otherwise, the fall shoulder season (mid-October through November) is out.
The next shoulder season option is late winter through early spring.
To bypass the crowds that visit Venice for Carnival, you'll want to avoid late February through the beginning of March.
Your best window of opportunity (excluding Carnival dates) will be February through April. Unfortunately, February and March can be freezing cold with icy winds whipping across the water. April may bring better weather, but this is also when the crowds start arriving.
As you can see, your window of opportunity to visit Venice with nice weather and fewer crowds is much smaller than Florence.
Florence wins the Florence vs. Venice debate when it comes to restaurants
Florence also beats Venice when it comes to restaurants and cafes.
Venice seems to have more low-quality tourist traps than authentic restaurants.
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.
Cinque Terre - Florence day trip
Florence offers more to do + day trips
If you're going to spend several days in one city, Florence will have much more to keep you busy.
Not only are there more museums, sights, cathedrals, churches, and shopping opportunities, but there is also a long list of day trips to choose from.
Top Florence day trips include Cinque Terre, wine tasting in Tuscany, and visiting nearby medieval villages like San Gimignano and Montepulciano. The cities of Siena, Pisa, and Lucca are also close enough for a day trip by train or bus.
The day trip options for Venice, while fun, are not as memorable as the day trips from Florence.
Visiting the islands of Burano and Murano is the most popular day trip from Venice. Padua and Verona are your closest options for a day trip on the mainland.
Florence is cheaper
Getting supplies to an island is not cheap. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that everything (food, hotels, drinks) will be a little bit more expensive in Venice. Is it a big difference? No. But your money will stretch a bit farther in Florence.
Florence has better hotels
Venice is filled with hotels, but I've always felt like your main options are outdated, mediocre hotels, or 5-star, extremely expensive hotels. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule, but it takes more digging to find these in Venice vs Florence.
Florence on the other hand seems to have hotels for every taste, budget, and preference.
A summary for who should choose Florence over Venice
To sum it up, if you want a city that is a little less touristy, has a wider shoulder season, offers quality restaurants and cafes, and has more to do plus day trip options, Florence is the city for you.
Venice vs Florence - who should pick Venice
Moving on to part two of Venice or Florence...Venice. While I personally prefer Florence and heartily believe the average tourist will better appreciate Florence over Venice, that doesn't mean Venice won't be a better fit for some travelers.
SEE ALSO:
HOW MANY DAYS IN VENICE, ITALY DO YOU REALLY NEED?
HOW TO GET FROM MARCO POLO AIRPORT TO VENICE – CHEAP & FAST
Canals, Canals, Canals
The only reason I would strongly encourage a visit to Venice over Florence is if you're just dying to see and experience the canals.
These canals are what make Venice so unique after all. Hundreds of tiny islands connected by a network of bridges...that's one memorable experience.
Add the fact that the island is entirely car free and your main mode of transportation is your own two feet or a boat, just another unique aspect.
While I may prefer Florence to Venice, I do have some incredible memories of wandering the canals early in the morning and late at night after the day trippers have departed. There isn't a city I've visited that has quite offered that experience.
If you're willing to time your trip right, make use of the early mornings and late evenings, and are up to putting in some research time for restaurants and hotels, you'll have a nice trip.
Photographers will be very happy in Venice
Photographers will likely prefer Venice to Florence because of the canals and unique character/views it offers. While Florence is a beautiful, medieval city, it can't compete with the colors, water, bridges, tiny walkways, canals, and gondolas.
While I've actually spent more time in Florence, I have far more photos of Venice. It seems that there is a beautiful photo opportunity at every corner, canal, and walkway. You'll have to make the most of early mornings and wander far from the tourist hot spots to get photos without a million people though.
Venice (without the crowds during COVID shutdowns)
Summary of Venice vs Florence
To sum up Venice or Florence…if you’re looking for a city that offers plenty of attractions to keep you busy for several days plus a long list of day trips, Florence is the city for you. Florence also has a better restaurant and hotel scene and requires less research to find a "good" spot.
Venice has far more tourist traps.
Florence also has a wider shoulder season. In Venice you have to deal with acqua alta (flooding season), which shortens your window of opportunity to visit with fewer crowds.
The only reason I would recommend Venice over Florence is if you're dying to experience the canals. You can't get much more unique than stringing together hundreds of islands with a network of charming bridges.
If you're still debating Florence or Venice, feel free to leave a comment below on what type of trip you want and I'll help you out!
**FLORENCE HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS**
Detailed blog post on where to stay in Florence
Luxury
- Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy
- The St. Regis Florence (Marriott)
- The Westin Excelsior, Florence (Marriott)
- Baglioni Relais Santa Croce
- Hotel Bernini Palace
Midrange
**VENICE HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS**
Luxury
- Londra Palace Venezia
- The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice (Marriott)
- St. Regis Venice (Marriott)
- Baglioni Hotel Luna
Midrange
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Florence vs. Venice, Italy | Which Should you Visit?
Hi I’ve never been to Italy and I’m taking my wife for a short weekend away for her bday in November. I’m unsure of which to chose from venice and florence as the only reason I’m more pushed to venice is like you said the the canals and romance of the whole place but I’ve heard different reveiews I’ve heard it’s smelly and some were disappointed but most say how beautiful it is. Where would you recommend staying in venice people have recommended antony Palace which is out of main venice but can take a trip and others say stay over the canals hotels but it’s dated and pricy
I think Venice would be wonderful. I’ve never experienced a “smelly” Venice. Maybe that could be the case in the dead of summer, but not in November. November will also be pretty good crowd wise. As for hotels, you’re going to Venice to experience the canals. Don’t stay on the mainland…it defeats the whole purpose. Plus, you want to be able to get up early and stay up late…enjoying Venice without all the crowds. My “A Day in Venice” blog post lists hotels I recommend at the very bottom.
One thing to consider is Aqua Alta (Google it). Venice floods each year in winter…so there may be a chance it’s flooded in November. Or it could be dry and perfect.
Hi Ash. Thanks for your tips regarding Florence & Venice. My wife’s daughter visited these cities last fall and really enjoyed herself. She has urged us to consider travelling there with her in the future. I would like to experience both of these historical gems, but, especially based on your comments, I am leaning towards focusing more time in Florence.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Yes…while I adore Venice…I tend to extend my stay in Florence vs. Venice. There are so many wonderful day trips from Florence! Much to keep you busy for days and days 🙂
Just curious, but why discuss how to visit Florence and Venice in 3 days? How about spending 6 days in Florence and taking the high-speed train to Florence and spending 3-4 days in Venice? Why all the rush?
I completely agree! In a perfect world, I would spend a minimum of 4 days in Florence and 3 nights in Venice. Sadly, especially in America, PTO/vacation time is limited; therefore, many people don’t have the luxury to slow down if they want to see the “musts”.
Great article, thanks.
I’m planning a week in Italy next April with my wife and at the moment was thinking about 3 nights Florence, 2 nights Rome (been before and only the Colosseum was not a nightmare for crowds!) and 3 nights in Naples (visiting Capri, Pompeii etc). Was going to go to Venice on a day trip from Florence but thinking twice now as we both hate crowds and places that are too touristy. Am I missing any must sees from my list – or would you recommend changing anything?
Any advice much appreciated!
Thanks
That’s a lot in one trip! If it was me, I would take Naples out and save the Amalfi Coast/Naples region for another trip (so you can do that area justice). Stay in Amalfi and skip Naples. You need at least 4 nights to do Amalfi justice. I would take the 3 days from Naples and do 2 nights in Venice. Since you hate crowds, a day trip to Venice doesn’t make sense…because you won’t be able to make use of early mornings and late evenings to enjoy Venice sans crowds. While Venice does get extremely crowded with day trippers and cruise ship groups…it’s a VERY special place and it would be a shame not to experience it. I would add the last day either to Florence (to add another day trip like Cinque Terre, Tuscany, or Siena), or add a night in a city near Venice like Verona or Bologna to get a taste of something different. Hope that helps!
That’s perfect – thanks so much! Might be in touch again for more hints and tips.
All the best,
Adrian
Hi again – would you keep Rome in the mix or just stick to Venice and Florence for this trip?
Maybe 3 major cities in one week is too much?
It depends on your travel style. I like to slow things down to enjoy the culture, relax at cafes, etc. With that in mind, for 1 week I would take out Rome to add more day trips from Florence or spend a night or 2 in Siena, Bologna, or Verona. BUT, the high-speed train that connects Rome and Florence is quick and easy (about 2 hours). So it’s a breeze to add 2 nights in Rome if you’re itching to see the Vatican, St. Peter’s, Colosseum, etc. If you’re not dying to spend time in Rome, then I would take it out and focus on Florence/Venice and the surrounding area.