I seem to go to Italy every year. I just love the country so much.
There are two cities I just can’t resist—Venice and Rome. Both are iconic and must-see destinations. But they couldn’t be more different in vibe and character.
Now, before I dive into the differences, let me just say this: if you’re heading to Italy, and you can swing it, visit both. Trust me, each city offers something unique, and skipping one means missing out.
But sometimes time is tight, and you’ve got to make a choice. That’s exactly why I’ve put this blog post together, to help you figure out which one city might be the right fit for your trip!
Should You Visit Rome Or Venice?
When choosing between Rome and Venice, there are a variety of factors that can shape your experience, from the city’s atmosphere to its cultural highlights and pace of life. Let’s go through them one by one here.
History & Architecture:
Rome
Rome is absolutely heaven for history buffs and anyone interested in in Ancient Rome.
There’s absolutely nothing like a tromp through the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. I never tire of the imperial ruins. Or the remnants of ancient history you can find around every corner.
Beyond that, the city is jam packed with Renaissance and Baroque architecture, from palaces to grand churches like St. Peter’s Basilica and Santa Maria Maggiore.
There are just no end of historic treasures.
Venice
Venice has a super interesting history too, but cannot really compete with Rome. Who can?
By the 10th century, Venice was as a powerful city-state, controlling trade routes between Europe and the East. This led to great wealth and the Venetians built landmarks like the Doge’s Palace and the ravishing St. Mark’s Basilica.
>>> Click here to book a must have ticket to St. Mark’s Basilica
Venice became a hub of culture, art, and commerce, contributing to the Italian Renaissance. Its republican government, led by the Doge, was one of the longest-lasting political systems in history.
Venice has fewer major ancient monuments, but offers strikingly different views with its palazzos, bridges, and narrow alleys.
Verdict: Rome ✅
Art and Culture
Rome
Rome is home to some of the world’s most important ancient art collections and museums. It seems like a new museum opens every month these days.
There are countless museums and endless churches filled with masterpieces by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael. You can cast your eyes upward to see the wonders of the Sistine Chapel.
There’s simply too many great museums to describe here. But I will list my top 5 favorites:
Venice
Venice’s art scene is centered around the Venice Biennale, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and its historical relationship with the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
If you like Renaissance art, especially, you are in for a treat!
The top fine art museum is the Galleria Accademia. But you can see amazing art in other historic sites and palaces.
You just have to know where to look because they’re hidden away in places like the Frari Church, Ca’ Rezzonico, Scuola Grand di San Rocco, Ca’ Pesaro, and Ca’ d’Oro.
READ: Top Paintings in Venice
Verdict: Rome ✅
Size & Pace
Rome is a much bigger city than Venice, with nearly 3 million residents compared to Venice’s much smaller population of about 50,000.
If you’re the kind of traveler who thrives on big-city energy and loves being in the middle of the action, Rome is perfect for you.
It’s buzzing with life, but still manageable enough to explore on foot. Expect a fast pace, busy streets, and a more urban feel.
Venice, on the other hand, offers a much smaller, slower-paced experience. Especially because it’s car free.
Its charming, winding streets and canals create a more relaxed vibe, perfect for leisurely wandering and soaking in the atmosphere.
That said, both cities are packed with visitors during high season, so be ready for the crowds!
Verdict: Depends on if your team big city or team small city.
Street Life & Atmosphere
Rome is lively, with chaotic traffic, street markets, outdoor cafes, and a mix of modern and ancient buildings. There’s a strong sense of urban life and street culture.
Venice is more serene and atmospheric, particularly in the early morning or late evening.
The canals, piazzas, and lack of cars make for a different kind of experience—more tranquil. It’s positively dreamy.
But that can sometimes make the city more touristy.
Verdict: Venice ✅
Food & Dining Scene
Rome
Rome is known for traditional Roman cuisine—pastas and hearty mains like saltimbocca. Rome has four iconic pastas: cacio e pepe, carbonara, gricia, and amatriciana.
You’ll find cafes and casual trattorias wherever you look.
Rome is home to 17 Michelin-starred restaurants. Among these, La Pergola holds the prestigious three-star rating.
If you want some secret local trattorias, check out Pierluigi, Taverna Trilussa, Osteria da Francesco Roma, or Tullio.
I absolutely loved this food tour I went on on my last visit!
Venice
Venice is focused on seafood-based dishes like risotto and fresh fish.
Dining here can be more expensive, but also offers more chances to eat outdoors by canals and in scenic piazzas.
Venice has 10 Michelin restaurants.
It’s known for cicchetti are small, tapas-style dishes served in traditional Venetian bars called bacari. (This cicchetti tour was great!)
But I’ve found the food in Venice can be overpriced and touristy, especially in areas around major attractions like St. Mark’s Square or the Rialto Bridge.
Restaurants in these spots often cater to tourists with inflated prices and sometimes mediocre quality.
Finding a good meal can be more challenging unless you venture into less touristy neighborhoods, like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro. For authentic meals, check out Osteria alla Frasca, Trattoria Storica, and Vini da Gigio.
Verdict: Rome ✅
Ease of Getting Around
Rome
To me, central Rome doesn’t feel all that big, especially compared to cities like London or Paris. I walk everywhere, and occasionally hop in a cab if I need to.
But navigating the city might be challenging for some due to its size and traffic. But public transportation (buses, metro) is widely available.
And you can also use the super handy hop on hop off tourist bus to get around.
Walking between major attractions is usually possible. But distances can be long from X to Z if they’re on polar opposite sides of the city.
For example, walking from the Colosseum to Vatican City might take 45 minutes depending on your pace.
Venice
Venice is entirely pedestrian, with canals instead of streets. You can get around on foot or by boat (vaporetto, water taxis).
Personally, I found the vaporetto system in Venice was challenging to use, especially for first-time visitors. The boats can be crowded.
Navigating the various lines and schedules can be confusing, especially when trying to figure out which stops are closest to certain landmarks.
Add in the fact that vaporettos don’t always run on time and can be affected by high tides or bad weather. It’s a tad overwhelming.
One way to make it easier is to download a map of the vaporetto routes ahead of time, familiarize yourself with the key stops, and buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
It’s also helpful to stay in neighborhoods where you can easily walk to attractions to minimize reliance on the boats.
Verdict: Rome ✅
Crowds & Tourism
Honestly, both cities can seem extremely crowded from May to October. Even traditional shoulder season can see crowds at major sites like the Vatican and Colosseum.
Rome also draws huge crowds in December. And Venice does for Carnival and the Biennial.
You can find quieter neighborhoods. But the main attractions can be crowded year-round.
Unlike Rome, Venice also gets a massive influx of day-trippers and cruise ship visitors. Some areas can feel overwhelmed by tourism, especially the St. Mark’s Square area.
Rome is a popular stop on some Mediterranean cruise itineraries. But it’s not right on the water like Venice.
Verdict: Tie
Urban Grit
Rome has a few areas that feel gritty or chaotic, especially near train stations or lesser-known neighborhoods.
There’s a sense of wear and tear in parts of the city. But it’s ancient, so that is part of its vibe.
Venice is less gritty, but more prone to decay due to the water. Some areas feel rundown or touristy, but the city overall maintains its old world charm.
I cringe to say it, but Venice does have an issue with rats.
However, it’s not something that most visitors encounter in a significant way, though it can be more noticeable if you’re out late or near the canals at night.
Accommodations
Rome
Rome has a much wider range of accommodation options to fit all different budgets.
Prices can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood. But there’s more competition, so it’s easier to find mid-range options.
However, staying near major attractions like the Colosseum or the Vatican will still come with a premium.
Many places in Rome are housed in historic buildings, so you can experience unique architectural details. Some hotels may have rooftop terraces with views of the city’s domes and ruins.
I’ve stayed all over Rome. A few of my personal favorites are Rome Cavalieri, Hotel Hassler Roma, St. Regis, and Regina Hotel Baglioni.
Venice
Accommodations in Venice are pricier and more limited.
Hotels tend to be more expensive, especially in central areas like San Marco and along the Grand Canal.
This is partly because Venice has a limited number of places to stay due to its compact size and the high demand from tourists.
The luxury options are pretty sweet. I would recommend checking out these hotels:
- Gritti Palace (elegance and views of the Grand Canal)
- Hotel Danieli (opulent Venetian rooms with an amazing rooftop terrace)
- St. Regis (unrivaled terrace suites above the Grand Canal)
- Aman Venice (my fave, you’ll feel like an aristocrat)
- Bauer Palazzo (elegant Venetian design)
For budget options, you’ll need to stay outside the central areas.
Verdict: Rome ✅
Safety
Both cities are generally safe for tourists.
Rome
As a much larger and busier city, Rome does experience more petty crime than Venice. You really have to be on the lookout or pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowded tourist areas like the Colosseum, Vatican, and Termini Station.
Rome is also notorious for scams targeting tourists. These can include everything from overcharging for food and drinks near major landmarks to scams involving people offering unwanted “gifts” (bracelets, flowers) or fake guides.
Staying aware of your surroundings and decline offers politely but firmly.
Rome’s central areas are generally safe at night. I’ve walked solo quite late after evening tours and had no issue.
But some areas around Termini Station and other train stations can feel more uncomfortable due to loitering and potential petty crime. Stick to well-lit, populated areas when walking after dark.
Venice
Venice has a relatively low crime rate, particularly in terms of violent crime.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is not as common as in other major European cities.
However, in crowded areas like St. Mark’s Square or on the vaporettos, it’s always good to stay vigilant.
Venice is not immune to tourist scams either, particularly around souvenir shops and some restaurants that might overcharge. It’s wise to check prices and avoid places with “tourist menus” that seem overly inflated.
Verdict: Venice ✅
Shopping
Rome
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. Campo de’ Fiori offers a lively street market experience with fresh produce and local goods.
Rome is know for its leather goods, ceramics, gold jewelry, and truffle products.
Venice
Venice is known for its artisan shops and luxury boutiques, where you can find everything from high-end designer fashion to handcrafted goods.
One of the highlights of shopping here is discovering Murano glass, famous for its vibrant colors and intricate designs. You’ll find everything from jewelry to beautiful glass sculptures.
Another local specialty is Burano lace, made using techniques passed down through generations. You can find delicate lace items, from handkerchiefs to decorative pieces, in small boutiques around the city.
>>> Click here to book a guided tour to Murano and Burano
For those seeking luxury, Venice has plenty of high-end shops in areas like Mercerie and Calle Larga XXII Marzo, where you can browse designer brands like Gucci, Prada, and Valentino.
And let’s not forget the Venetian masks!
These iconic masks, originally made for the famous Venice Carnival, come in all shapes and sizes, from simple designs to elaborate, hand-painted masterpieces. You can even make your own at a workshop.
Thus, Rome is ideal for those seeking a wider variety of luxury fashion, designer goods, and large-scale shopping experiences. Venice is perfect for shoppers interested in unique artisanal items.
Verdict: Rome ✅
Day Trips
Both cities offer excellent day trip options.
Rome
Rome is centrally located and well-connected to other towns and cities.
You can take day trips along the coast, further inland, to Tuscany and Venice in the north or to Naples and Amalfi in the south.
My favorite day trips, that aren’t too far afield, are to Tivoli and Orvieto. You can also reach Pompeii and Naples without too much effort.
Venice
But, I have to say, I think Venice may have a slight edge on day trips. Venice is a great base for island-hopping to Murano, Burano, Torcello, and the Lido.
It’s also a quick jaunt on the train to nearby towns like Treviso, Verona, Padua, Ravenna, and Vincenza. These are all amazing cultural spots (some UNESCO sites) and I’ve linked my articles so you can check them out.
Getting to the Santa Lucia Train Station (Venice’s main train station) can be a bit of a challenge.
But it’s manageable with some planning. You’ll need to walk, take the vaporetto, or book a private water taxi.
Verdict: Venice ✅
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Rome is hot and busy in summer, but pleasant in spring and fall. Winter is milder but can be rainy.
I’ve visited a bunch of times in winter and it’s usually in the mid-50s.
On the other hand, Venice can be quite cold and foggy in winter, with a risk of flooding. Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit, while summer is hot and crowded.
Verdict: Rome ✅
Romantic Appeal
Rome is romantic in a more classic, vibrant way. Think evening walks through the centro storico or romantic dinners in Trastevere.
But Venice is truly one of the most romantic cities in the world. You can take gondola rides, sit at candlelit dinners along canals, and walk along cobbled lanes popping out for views over the Grand Canal.
It’s a city that looks like a film set, and is utterly unique.
Verdict: Venice ✅
Accessibility & Practicality
Rome is easier to access, and has better 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. It’s more practical for longer stays due to its variety.
Venice is more challenging logistically (boats, bridges, and canals). This is especially true if you’re carrying luggage or have mobility issues.
And getting from Venice Airport or train station? Do yourself a favor and book a private water taxi transfer to save headaches.
Verdict: Rome ✅
Time Available
Rome is a city that demands more time due to its sheer size and complexity, while you can comfortably enjoy Venice on a shorter visit.
To really soak in all that Rome has to offer, you’ll need ages. But for a solid trip, plan for at least 4 to 5 days.
This will give you enough time to hit the major highlights like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Pantheon, and Roman Forum, while still leaving room to wander through some of the charming neighborhoods.
If you’re aiming to uncover Rome’s hidden gems and lesser-known spots, you might want to extend your stay to truly appreciate everything the city has to offer!
In contrast, Venice is quite small. With some ambition, you can walk the whole city in one day.
Not that you’d want to. But it is doable. Better to spend 2-3 days there if you have the time.
Bottom Line: Rome vs. Venice
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.
If you want a smaller, more romantic setting, choose Venice.
While both cities are incredible, I personally lean toward Rome. It’s a city just soaked in history and art. As the Romans say, “non basta una vita” – a lifetime is not enough.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to whether to visit Rome or Venice. You may find these related travel guides useful:
- 8 Ways To Spend 1 days in Rome
- 2 Days in Rome Itinerary
- 3 Days in Rome Itinerary
- 4 Days in Rome Itinerary
- 5 Days in Rome Itinerary
- 1 day in Venice itinerary
- 2 day itinerary for Venice
- Guide to the Dorsoduro
- Guide To San Polo
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