Florence vs Rome: Which is the Best City to Visit?

Deciding between Florence vs Rome is one of the hardest decisions when it comes to planning the perfect trip to Italy. This Italy travel guide walks you through the pros and cons of choosing between Florence and Rome and which Italian city you should visit.

So you’re faced with the tough decision: Florence vs Rome. Choosing which of these popular Italian cities to visit can be a hard choice, especially if you only have time for one.

Both cities are full of so much history, beautiful art, amazing experiences, and of course, some of the most incredible food in the world!

In this post, I’ll help you figure out which city is the best fit for your trip by breaking down the main highlights and differences between these two iconic destinations.

This post is all about Florence vs Rome.

Florence vs Rome: Choosing the Best City in Italy

After visiting Florence and Rome, I must say that both cities are incredible options. So, if you have time to squeeze in both cities, DO IT! 

Of course, I am someone who wants to see it all and try to visit as many places as possible during one trip. So, if you miss one city on this trip, you should absolutely visit Italy again in the future to see the other.

One of the best ways to help you narrow down your choice of visiting Florence vs Rome is by asking yourself a few questions, like:

• How much time do I have?
• Do I want to see more history or art?
• Am I okay with using transportation to get around, or do I prefer to walk everywhere?
• What kind of food experience am I looking for?
• Are day trips to other destinations a priority? If so, which day trip destinations are easy to visit from Florence vs Rome?

Now that you have your answers to those questions, I’ll explain how they relate to each destination.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Rome

Alright, let’s talk about the pros and cons of visiting Rome. This city has so much to offer, but there are a few things to consider before you pack your bags.

Pros of Visiting Rome:

• Historical Significance: Rome is FULL of history. And as a history nerd, I was totally in my element when visiting the Eternal City. You can visit landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon, all of which date back to ancient Rome. Visiting the Roman Empire is literally my “Roman Empire” and something I think about all the time.
• Iconic Landmarks: In addition to the ancient history, Rome is also home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, climb the Spanish Steps, and visit the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. So many cool things to check off the bucket list!
• Vatican City: As an independent city-state within Rome, Vatican City is definitely a must-visit. The art and architecture at the Vatican museums, especially the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, are so incredible to see in person.

Cons of Visiting Rome:

• Spread Out: Rome is BIG, and the attractions are widely spread across the city. Unlike Florence, where you can walk to most sites, you’ll typically need to use buses, the metro, or taxis to get around. We also enjoyed using the Bird scooters!
• Traffic: Since Rome is a larger city there can be heavy traffic. It’s a good idea to plan your routes and use public transportation or taxis to avoid the hassle.
• Higher Costs: Being a major tourist destination, some areas, especially around popular attractions, can be expensive. Meals, accommodation, and souvenirs might cost more than in other parts of Italy.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Florence

Next up, let’s chat about the pros and cons of visiting Florence. This Italian city is full of culture and beauty, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Pros of Visiting Florence:

• Art and Culture: Florence is FULL of art. It’s known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to famous pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. You can’t miss the Uffizi Gallery and the famous Statue of David by Michelangelo at the Accademia Gallery.
• Walkable City: One of the best things about Florence is how the entire city is pretty compact and walkable. All the major attractions are within walking distance, making it super easy to explore the city on foot. No need to worry about figuring out public transport or dealing with traffic like you do in Rome.
• Incredible Architecture: Florence is filled with beautiful architecture. For example, when most people think of the city of Florence, they think of the famous Florence Cathedral (Duomo). It is MASSIVE and definitely a must-see. In addition, the city’s narrow streets and historic buildings from medieval times make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
• The Food: The food in Florence is amazing! While Florence is typically known for steak, their fresh pasta and gelato, are also worth trying. Another perk of the food in Florence is that it’s typically more affordable than in Rome.

Cons of Visiting Florence:

• Crowds: Since Florence is so compact, it can get crowded pretty easily, especially during the tourist high season. We visited during a weekend in May and kind of felt like a sardine trying to navigate our way through the popular attractions.
• Limited Public Transport: While Florence is walkable, its public transport options are limited compared to Rome. If you want to explore outside the city, you might need to rent a car or join a tour. Similar to Rome, we also enjoyed renting Bird scooters to check out places that were a bit too far from each other.
• Smaller Size: Florence is smaller than Rome, which means fewer big-city amenities and entertainment options. If you’re looking for more nightlife or a wide variety of activities, Rome might be a better fit.

Florence vs Rome: Breakdown by Categories

Art/Architecture in Florence vs Rome

When it comes to art and architecture, both Rome and Florence bring something special to the table.

Florence

Meanwhile, Florence is all about Renaissance art and architecture, making it perfect for art lovers. The Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s famous bridge over the Arno River, is a highlight, along with the stunning pieces of art at the Uffizi Gallery by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. Michelangelo’s Statue of David at the Accademia Gallery is a must-see. Florence’s Cathedral, with its massive dome by Brunelleschi, is another iconic site. The city is full of Renaissance buildings and sculptures, making it feel like you’re walking through a giant art gallery!

Rome

While Rome might have less art, it’s full of the most incredible architectural sites. The main art/architectural highlights in Rome are the Colosseum, Vatican City with St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. The whole city is just full of fascinating history.

History in Florence vs Rome

Florence

Florence’s history is all about the Renaissance. It’s the birthplace of this cultural movement and home to legends like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Dante. The influence of the Medici family is everywhere, especially in places like the Medici Chapels and Palazzo Pitti. Florence is packed with museums and sites like the Bargello and Santa Croce that showcase the city’s incredible past.

Rome

Rome features so much history. It was the center of the Roman Empire, and you can explore ruins like the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. The city’s history spans thousands of years, from the ancient empire through the Renaissance and into modern times. Visit the Baths of Caracalla, the Circus Maximus, and many underground sites like the Domus Aurea. Rome’s history is pretty much visible anywhere you look, making it such a fun place to explore.

Food & Wine vs Florence vs Rome

Florence

Florence offers more of a relaxed and traditional dining experience, focusing on Tuscan dishes. You can’t visit without trying the famous Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina). Fresh pasta dishes, like pappardelle with wild boar sauce, are also a highlight. Don’t forget to enjoy some gelato for dessert! The local Chianti wine pairs perfectly with just about any meal. The food in Florence tends to be a bit more affordable than in Rome, which is always a bonus.

Rome

Rome’s food scene is amazing, but it’s a bit more fast-paced compared to Florence. The city is known for classic pasta dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe, as well as pizza. Similar to Florence, you’ll also find some of the best gelato here. I always recommend pairing your meals with a glass of local wine.

Shopping in Florence vs Rome

Florence

Florence is the place to go for unique, locally-made items. The city is famous for its leather goods, and you can find everything from jackets to handbags crafted by local artisans. The markets, like the San Lorenzo Market, are perfect for picking up these handmade items. Florence also has high-end fashion stores (I bought my first-ever designer bag in Florence!).

Rome

Rome has it all when it comes to shopping. Via del Corso is a great starting point for a mix of well-known brands and local shops, while Via Condotti has more of the luxury brands like Gucci and Prada.

Getting Around in Florence vs Rome

Florence

Florence is compact and super walkable. Most of the main attractions are close to each other, so you can easily explore on foot. For the spots that are a bit further, renting a Bird scooter or bike, or taking a local bus also works great.

Rome

Rome, on the other hand, is a big city, and you’ll need a mix of public transport, taxis, and maybe even a Bird scooter rental to get around. The metro is pretty efficient, but be ready for some walking and dealing with traffic. The bus system is really popular here and can get you close to the major attractions in the city center.

Day Trips from Florence vs Rome

Day Trips from Rome

While you can absolutely take day trips from Rome, it’s important to note that most people do not take this route. People will typically allocate their time in Rome to see only Rome and then move on to the next destination. Rome is massive with so many things to see that you don’t necessarily have time to take day trips elsewhere.

However, here is a list of a few popular day trip options from Rome if you choose to go this route:

• Pompeii: Visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii, where you can see the remnants of a city frozen in time by a volcanic eruption. This is a great pick for other history nerds!
• Amalfi Coast: The Amalfi Coast really is just as beautiful as the photos you see on Instagram. Beautiful views, great seafood, and perfect for sightseeing!
• Orvieto: Known for its beautiful cathedral, underground caves, and hill towns. It’s a great place to unwind and explore some more history!
• Tivoli: Home to Villa d’Este, famous for its beautiful gardens and fountains, and Hadrian’s Villa, a large Roman archaeological complex.
• Ostia Antica: The ancient port city of Rome, featuring well-preserved Roman ruins that give you a glimpse into everyday Roman life.

Day Trips from Florence

Unlike Rome, Florence IS where you should stay if you’d like to explore more around the region with day-trip opportunities. Since Florence is much smaller than Rome, many people will make Florence their “home base” and plan several day trips in the area.

Here are a few popular day-trip options from Florence:

• Pisa: Visit the famous Leaning Tower, but don’t miss the other iconic sites like the Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery in the same square. (Bring something to cover your shoulders in the cathedral if you’re wearing a tank top!)
• Siena: This medieval city offers beautiful architecture, a central piazza, and the famous Siena Cathedral.
• Chianti Region: Known for its vineyards, this region is perfect for wine tasting and enjoying the Tuscan countryside.
• Cinque Terre: Five colorful coastal villages offering hiking, beautiful views, and fresh seafood. It’s like a more laid-back version of the Amalfi Coast!
• Lucca: Walk or bike around the Renaissance-era city walls, explore the historic center, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
• San Gimignano: Famous for its medieval towers, this town offers stunning views, historical sites, and delicious food and wine.

Florence or Rome: Which Should YOU Visit?

At the end of the day, deciding between Florence and Rome depends on your personal preferences and what YOU’RE looking for in your trip. This goes back to the original list of questions from the beginning of the blog post:

• How much time do I have?
• Do I want to see more history or art?
• Am I okay with using transportation to get around, or do I prefer to walk everywhere?
• What kind of food experience am I looking for?
• Are day trips to other destinations a priority? If so, which day trip destinations are easy to visit from Florence vs Rome?

Visit Rome If…

• You love history, a bigger city, and lots of activities.
• You enjoy a variety of dining options and are comfortable using public transport.
• You’re more interested in exploring only Rome and not necessarily taking day trips.

Visit Florence If…

• You love art, wine, a more walkable city, and a relaxed vibe.
• You prefer a compact city with easy access to major attractions on foot.
• You’re interested in taking day trips throughout the Tuscan region.
• You’re going for more of the classic Italian vibe.

If you have time to see both, then DEFINITELY SEE BOTH! They both have unique experiences and bucket list-worthy sites.

Florence vs Rome: My PERSONAL Favorite

Both cities are absolutely worth visiting, and I had a wonderful time visiting both Florence and Rome. However, if I HAD to pick just one, I personally would choose Rome. Obviously, this is just my personal opinion, please don’t come for me!

Before our trip to Italy, our friends recommended we stay longer in Florence than Rome based on their own experience, and I wish we would’ve done the opposite (AKA I wish we spent 3 nights in Rome and 2 nights in Florence instead of the other way around).

Here are a few reasons why:

• With Florence being more compact, it felt a lot more crowded than Rome. While Rome definitely has its crowds, I never felt like a sardine trying to make my way around the city. We also visited Florence on a weekend in late May, so that could also be why Florence was so busy.
• I prioritize checking off bucket-list experiences and Rome is full of some of the most iconic sites in the world.
• I am a huge history nerd, so Rome is more up my alley.
• Rome is a lot bigger than Florence, so there is more to see and do. I felt like we missed out on quite a few things I would’ve loved to see by allocating more time in Florence than Rome.
• We didn’t necessarily take advantage of the day-trip opportunities from Florence, aside from a quick visit to Pisa, so that may also be a reason why I enjoyed Rome more.

Ultimately, both cities have so much to offer, and you can’t go wrong with either option. Whether you end up exploring Rome’s ancient streets or enjoying Florence’s artistic vibe, you’ll have an incredible time either way!

This post was all about choosing between Florence vs Rome.