Rome and Florence are two of Italy’s most iconic cities. They’re both brimming with art, culture, history, and great food.
But they offer vastly different experiences. Choosing between them, if you have to, can be a challenge.
This guide will help you weigh your options by exploring what each city has to offer. I’ll break down the key factors that can make your decision easier.
So, which will it be? Which city, Rome or Florence, is right for you?
Rome’s vs Florence: Which City To Visit
History
Both Rome and Florence are cities abounding in history. But they offer different eras.
Rome is a magnet for those with a passion for ancient history.
The remnants of Ancient Rome are all around you — ancient buildings, museums filed with Greco-Roman art, and underground sites where you travel through the layers of history.
Nothing can compete with five star attractions like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
>>> Click here to book a tour of the imperial ruins
Florence, however, also has a fascinating history.
Florence is synonymous with the Medici family. They played a crucial role in shaping Florence’s history, particularly during the Renaissance.
As wealthy bankers and powerful patrons of the arts, they funded artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli, turning Florence into a cultural hub.
Politically, they dominated the city for centuries, with Cosimo de’ Medici and Lorenzo de’ Medici (“Lorenzo the Magnificent”) securing Florence’s influence in Europe.
Their support for humanism, architecture, and science defined Florence’s legacy as the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Architecture
Rome and Florence showcase two distinct architectural styles shaped by their history.
Rome has ancient goodies like the Colosseum, the ancient public baths, and palace ruins.
Rome is also home to some top notch Baroque architecture. Walking through Piazza Navona will have hour head spinning.
And the churches in Rome? Wow! St. Peter’s Basilica is the most ornate Baroque space you’ll ever step into!
Other must sees are the Gesu church, Sant Agnese, and Basilica of St. John Lateran.
Florence is more closely associated with Renaissance architecture, which emphasizes balance, symmetry, and proportion.
Iconic structures like the Duomo with its impressive dome by Brunelleschi, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery exemplify the city’s architectural style.
Florence also showcases elements of Gothic architecture, as seen in the Basilica of Santa Croce.
Art & Culture
Both Rome and Florence are powerhouses when it comes to art and culture.
Rome has so many attractions that it’s almost impossible to see them all. It would take years to truly explore everything. As the locals say, “non basta una vita” — one lifetime isn’t enough!
The Vatican Museums, the Capitoline Museums, and Palazzo Massimo house extensive collections of ancient Roman art and sculpture.
Rome is also filled to the brim with Renaissance and Baroque art.
You can admire Renaissance masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel or the exquisite art collection at the Borghese Gallery. You can also follow the Caravaggio trail and see his Baroque artworks.
Florence is likewise an amazing city for art lovers. But it’s mainly about Renaissance art and doesn’t have the sheer volume of museums that Rome does.
The must visit museums in Florence are the Uffizi Gallery, the Galleria Accademia, and the Medici Chapels.
You’ll find some of the world’s most famous masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Masaccio.
Size & Pace
Rome is a much larger city than Florence, with a population of nearly 3 million, compared to Florence’s 370,000.
If you are an active traveller who loves a buzzy urban experience, Rome will suit you. Plus, I find it’s still manageable enough to walk to most places.
Florence, by contrast, is smaller and more walkable, offering a slower, more relaxed pace. Its historic center feels intimate, and its streets are more suited to leisurely exploration.
Both cities, however, will be mobbed in high season!
Food & Wine
Love traveling for food? You’re in for a treat!
Both Rome and Florence serve up a feast of flavors, offering everything from classic Italian dishes to global cuisine.
Rome is known for hearty pasta dishes, while Florence is famous for its Florentine steak and traditional Tuscan cuisine.
Both cities also have vibrant markets, cozy trattorias, and fine dining options. So whether you’re craving a local favorite or something international, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your appetite!
Rome has four iconic pastas: cacio e pepe, carbonara, gricia, and amatriciana.
In Florence, you’ll want to order up ribollita, bistecca alla fiorentina, and tagliatelle al ragù. The bistecca is simply to die for!
The city’s upscale eateries provide inventive menus featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
In terms of the wine scene, the two cities are quite different because of the the regions they lie in.
Rome’s wine scene is less globally renowned than Florence’s. The city, features wines from the Lazio region, with Frascati being the standout. Frascati is a light, refreshing white wine, perfect for pairing with Roman cuisine.
On the other hand, Florence, in the heart of Tuscany, is known for Chianti and Super Tuscan wines, both of which are world-famous.
These wines are primarily made from the Sangiovese grape, delivering rich, earthy flavors with a bold finish.
Shopping
Rome’s shopping scene is more diverse, blending luxury with eclectic finds. You’ll find everything from designer brands to vintage boutiques.
For high street fashion and mainstream brands, head to Via Corso. For luxury brands, you should stroll down Via Condotti.
The Monti District is known for its vintage shops and independent boutiques
Florence is more about craftsmanship and traditional items. Known for its leather goods and artisan workshops, the city has a focus on quality over quantity.
The Ponte Vecchio is the go-to place for purchasing high-quality jewelry.
San Lorenzo Market is where you’ll find the best leather goods, from bags to belts and jackets.
Via de’ Tornabuoni is Florence’s luxury shopping destination, home to designer stores like Gucci, Ferragamo, and Bulgari.
On the other side of the Arno, in the Oltrarno district, you’ll find artisan workshops, handmade crafts, ceramics, and bespoke items from local artists.
Time Available
Rome requires more time due to its size and complexity, while Florence can be enjoyed in a shorter visit.
To fully experience Rome, you’ll need eons. But you should budget at least 4 to 5 days.
This gives you time to see key sites like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Pantheon, and Roman Forum, while allowing for leisurely exploration of the cute neighborhoods.
You’ll need more time if you want to see Rome’s hidden gems.
Florence, being smaller, can be explored in 2 to 3 days. This will cover major highlights like the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, Galleria Accademia, and Ponte Vecchio.
And you may still have time to explore the Oltrarno neighborhood or take a day trip to Pisa or Siena.
Solos | Couples | Families
How are you traveling? Alone, as a couple, or with your family?
I think both cities are great for solo travelers. And I’ve visited both many times on my own.
But Florence is more manageable due to its smaller size and slower pace, making it easy to explore on foot and enjoy museums and cafes at your own pace.
Rome can be more chaotic. If it’s your first time traveling solo or you’re not a city person, opt for Florence.
Both cities are also great for couples seeking a bit of romance.
Florence feels more intimate and romantic with its Renaissance charm, quiet streets, and stunning viewpoints from spots like Piazzale Michelangelo.
Rome can also be romantic, especially with walks through historic sites at sunset or dinners in cozy Trastevere.
Traveling with kids?
Rome offers more variety for families, from historical landmarks like the Colosseum to kid-friendly attractions such as Villa Borghese gardens or the catacombs.
In Florence, museums are central, but the kids may not really appreciate them.
They might, however, enjoy climbing the Duomo, playing in the Boboli Gardens, or exploring hands-on exhibits at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum or the Galileo Museum.
Day Trips
Rome is well connected and makes a fantastic base for day trips.
From Rome, you can day trip to some amazing historic spots:
- Hadrian’s Villa
- Villa d’Este
- Ostia Antica
- Vatican City
- Amalfi Coast
- Naples
- Orvieto
Florence is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a more laid-back day trips away from the rush of a big city.
You can visit places like Siena, Lucca, San Gimignano, and the Chianti and Val d’Orca wine regions — all without the stress of constant travel. It’s ideal for those who want to unwind and take in the beauty of Tuscany at their own pace.
Transportation & Connectivity
When comparing transportation and connectivity, Rome offers a larger, more extensive public transportation system due to its size. It has buses, trams, and three metro lines.
The main hub, Termini Station, connects Rome to other cities in Italy and Europe via high-speed trains.
Florence, being smaller, is easier to navigate on foot. Its public transport consists mainly of buses and trams, with Santa Maria Novella Station providing high-speed rail connections.
Florence’s compact size makes it more pedestrian-friendly, while Rome offers more diverse transport options.
Accommodation
As a large city, Rome offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels in historic buildings to affordable guesthouses.
Rome is home to some of Italy’s most iconic luxury hotels. You’ll find grand accommodations in areas like Via Veneto, Piazza Navona, or near the Spanish Steps.
A few of my personal favorites are the Rome Cavalieri, Hotel Hassler Roma, the St. Regis, and Regina Hotel Baglioni.
Florence boasts some of the most exquisite luxury hotels, often located in historic Renaissance palaces.
These luxury options are intimate and reflect the city’s artistic elegance, with antique furnishings and stunning views of landmarks like the Duomo or Arno River.
Some of of my faves are Villa Cora, Portrait Firenze, and Grand Hotel Sina Villa Medici.
Florence also has some unique stays and bed and breakfast to chose from like Antica Dimora Johlea and Casa Rovai.
In both cities, you can find budget accommodation. But you’ll have to stay away from the city center. And Rome has more budget options.
In Rome, there are less expensive spots in Testaccio, Prati, and near Termini Station. (But I don’t really recommend Termini because it’s a mecca for pickpockets.)
Rome vs Florence: Final Verdict
Choosing between Rome and Florence is tough, especially when you love both cities like I do.
If you’re drawn to ancient history, bustling city life, and a mix of grand architecture, Rome offers a vibrant, diverse experience with endless attractions and layers of history and culture.
When it comes to nightlife, Rome is also a better option. From wine bars to nightclubs, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a drink and dance the night away.
On the other hand, Florence feels more intimate and romantic. It’s the perfect city for art lovers and those seeking Renaissance beauty and a slower pace.
Ultimately, it comes down to your mood: Rome for energy and exploration, or Florence for art, charm, and relaxation. You can’t go wrong!
I hope you’ve enjoyed my comparison of Rome and Florence and can now decide which city to visit. You may find these other Italy travel guides useful:
- 8 Ways To Spend 1 days in Rome
- 2 Days in Rome Itinerary
- 5 Days in Rome Itinerary
- Hidden Gems in Rome
- 1 Day In Florence Itinerary
- 2 Days in Florence Itinerary
- 3 Days In Florence Itinerary
- Hidden Gems in Florence
- Best Museums in Florence
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