Dylan and Maddy
- April 5, 2025
- 4:00 pm
- No Comments
Florence vs. Rome: Which Italian City Should You Visit?
Italy is a dream destination, filled with breathtaking cities, rich history, and the best food! Two of the most popular cities travelers choose between are Florence and Rome. We’ve had the chance to visit both of them, and while they each offer unforgettable experiences, they are vastly different. If you’re struggling to decide which one to visit, we’ve broken it down for you.
History & Landmarks
Rome: A Living Museum
Rome is one of the most historically rich cities in the world, with landmarks that transport you back thousands of years. The Colosseum is an absolute must-visit and one of the most epic sites we’ve ever seen. Standing inside this massive amphitheater, where gladiators once fought, is a surreal experience. And that’s just the beginning! The Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, is also beautiful, and you can see the Creation of Adam painting on the ceiling.Â
Â
Another one of our favorite spots in the Eternal City is the Trevi Fountain. We absolutely love visiting every time we go, tossing coins in for good luck, and taking more pictures together. The fountain is surprisingly massive and one of the most beautiful sights in the city, especially at night when it’s all lit up.
Â
The Pantheon, a marvel of ancient architecture, and the Roman Forum, are just more reasons why history lovers will find themselves in paradise here. Some other great landmarks include Castel Sant’Angelo, the Spanish Steps, and Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. We can’t stress enough how surreal it is to see all the landmarks in Rome because there’s so much history and beauty.
Florence: The Birthplace of the Renaissance
While Rome feels like stepping back into the age of emperors, Florence takes you to the Renaissance. The Duomo di Firenze, or Florence Cathedral, is hands down our favorite landmark we’ve ever seen. It’s massive, intricate, and simply stunning. The patterns and details are unreal, and the view from the top is one of the best in Italy. Climbing the dome gives you an incredible view of Florence, making it a must-do experience.
Art lovers will be in heaven at the Uffizi Gallery, home to Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, a painting that is among the most famous in the world. Seeing it in person felt surreal—its soft pastel colors and flowing figures almost seemed to glow. Walking through the Uffizi, you’re surrounded by centuries of artistic genius, and even though we’re not huge art lovers, we still really enjoyed everything the Uffizi Gallery had to offer.
And then there’s Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery. Pictures do not do this statue justice. Seeing David up close was so cool, and it’s definitely worth a stop. Last, but certainly not least, one of Florence’s most charming landmarks is the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops that has stood the test of time. It is just so beautiful how it spans on the Arno River.
🏆 Winner: Rome – There are just so many historical sites packed into one city.
Food Scene
Rome: A Food Lover’s Paradise
Italian food is always great, but Rome just hits different. The pizza and carbonara we had in Rome were some of the best meals we’ve ever eaten. Roman-style pizza has a thin, crispy crust that’s completely different from the Neapolitan style, and it’s delicious. If you’re a pasta lover, Rome is your place. Dishes like cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and carbonara (with guanciale, not bacon!) are must-tries.Â
Florence: Tuscan Flavors
Florence’s food is also fantastic, with rich Tuscan flavors. If you love steak, Bistecca alla Fiorentina (a thick-cut, rare steak) is a specialty.Â
Beyond the savory dishes, Florence has some of the best pastries and desserts we’ve ever had in Italy. We had some incredible macarons while we were here, and of course, gelato!
🏆 Winner: Rome – Florence is great, but Rome wins with its unbeatable pizza and pasta.
City Atmosphere & Beauty
Rome: Bustling and Grand
Rome feels like a true capital city—busy, chaotic, and full of life. While it’s walkable, traffic can be hectic, and it feels more “city-like” compared to Florence. It’s a place that blends ancient ruins with modern life in a way that’s fascinating but can feel overwhelming at times. Certain areas can be crowded and noisy, which is something to consider if you prefer a more peaceful setting.
Florence: Romantic and Charming
Florence, on the other hand, is picturesque, intimate, and cleaner. It felt safer to us, and overall, more walkable without the chaos of Rome. The streets are filled with stunning architecture, and there’s a romantic charm that makes it perfect for couples. For one of the most beautiful views you’ll ever see please don’t forget to head to Piazzale Michelangelo!
🏆 Winner: Florence – It’s simply more beautiful and peaceful.
Safety & Cleanliness
While both cities are generally safe, we personally felt that Florence had a noticeably safer and cleaner atmosphere, especially at night. Florence’s smaller size and lower tourist density make it feel more relaxed and less chaotic. Walking through the streets in the evening, we never felt uneasy, even in less crowded areas.
Rome, being a much larger city, has its share of pickpocketing issues, especially around major tourist attractions like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Termini Station. While we personally have never had any bad experiences, our friends had their phones and wallets stolen while they were there, so please make sure to keep an eye on all of your valuables in touristy areas and the metro.
Florence’s streets also felt cleaner and better maintained. Rome, as amazing as it is, has certain areas that can feel a bit gritty, with more litter and graffiti. That’s just the reality of a bigger, busier city. In Florence, the picturesque streets and well-preserved architecture give the whole place a charming, polished feel that we absolutely loved.
🏆 Winner: Florence – Less chaotic and cleaner streets.
Budget & Accomodations
Rome: Wide Range of Options & Varied Costs
Rome offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels near the Spanish Steps to budget-friendly hostels and Airbnb apartments throughout the city. We personally found Rome to be more affordable than Florence when it came to accommodations. You can find excellent deals on hotels and Airbnbs, especially if you book in advance or stay slightly outside the immediate city center. Food in Rome can also be quite budget-friendly; you can get a whole pizza for 7 euros! Plus, the many markets and street food options allow you to eat well without breaking the bank. While public transportation exists, Rome’s walkability also helps keep costs down.
Florence: Boutique Charm & Slightly Higher Costs
Florence’s accommodation tends to be more boutique-style, with charming hotels and guesthouses reflecting the city’s artistic character. We found that accommodations in Florence, particularly within the historic center, were generally pricier than in Rome. While you can find budget options, they are less prevalent. Dining in Florence can also be slightly more expensive, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. However, like Rome, local trattorias/restaurants offer reasonably priced meals, and the smaller size of the city means you can walk to most places, also saving on public transportation
🏆 Winner: Rome – Rome offers a wider range of accommodations at more affordable prices, along with budget-friendly dining options and better deals overall. Even with this being the case, Florence is also pretty cheap to travel to!
Walkability & Transportation
Rome: Surprisingly Walkable
Despite its size, Rome is incredibly walkable if you plan your itinerary well. Many major landmarks are clustered together. However, when you need to go further, scooters are a great option. We honestly had the time of our lives scootering around Rome and it was especially fun driving up to landmarks like the Colloseum and Trevi Fountain on them. Public transportation in Rome exists, but it’s not our favorite—the metro is convenient, but it’s just crowded and dirty.
Florence: Compact and Easy to Navigate
Florence is smaller, making it even easier to explore entirely on foot. While scooters are available, they aren’t necessary as much as in Rome. However, we had some frustrating experiences with Florence’s public transportation. The buses were notoriously unreliable—sometimes they wouldn’t arrive on schedule, and on multiple occasions, they didn’t show up at all. If you’re relying on public transport in Florence, be prepared for some delays.
🏆 Winner: Rome – Slightly easier to walk between major landmarks and better public transportation.
Day Trips & Surrounding Areas
Rome: A Gateway to Stunning Coastal Escapes
One of the most unforgettable day trips we took from Rome was to Capri. It was a long day but totally worth it! We took a train to Naples, then hopped on a ferry to Capri, where we spent the day exploring its gorgeous coastline and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. It was pure paradise. Other great day trips from Rome include Pompeii, where you can walk through the ruins of the ancient city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius, and Tivoli, home to the stunning Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana.
Florence: Quick and Scenic Adventures
Florence is surrounded by incredible destinations that are perfect for day trips. The most famous and easiest is Pisa, which is only about 30 minutes away by train. Seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person was such a fun experience, and yes, we totally took the classic “holding up the tower” pictures! It was a little bit of a fail, but we tried LOL.Â
Â
Another fantastic day trip is to Chianti, where you can tour vineyards and sample some of Italy’s best wines. If you’re up for a slightly longer journey, Cinque Terre is a stunning coastal escape with colorful villages perched along the cliffs. You can even go to Venice, which is only a couple of hours away by train. Check out our One Day in Venice Itinerary for more information on how you can take a day trip to this beautiful city.Â
🏆 Winner: Florence – More diverse and easy day trips.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
We’ve visited both cities in the summer, and let’s just say—it was HOT. Like, unbearably hot at times, but we still had an incredible time and just ate gelato all day everyday haha! If you can, visit in late spring or early fall when the temperatures are more manageable.
🏆 Winner: Tie – Both got scorching hot in the summer while we were there.Â
Romantic Vibes
Florence has a more romantic feel, with charming streets, beautiful views, and an overall more intimate atmosphere. Rome, while incredible, has more of a grand, energetic vibe rather than a dreamy, romantic one.
🏆 Winner: Florence – Perfect for couples.
Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?
This is tough because both cities are absolutely worth visiting and we’ve even gone to Rome 3 times! But if we had to pick one city for a few days, we’d go with Florence.
Â
- The Duomo is the most breathtaking landmark we’ve ever seen.
- It’s cleaner and safer than Rome.
- The day trips are better and easier.
- It has a more romantic atmosphere
More to explore
27 Things to Know Before Visiting Brussels, Belgium
Planning a trip to Brussels? Discover 27 essential things to know before visiting Brussels, from the best time to go to hidden gems and must-see attractions, all designed to help you make the most of your experience in Belgium’s vibrant capital.
Is Salzburg Worth Visiting? 12 Reasons Why You Can’t Miss It
Discover why Salzburg is worth visiting with 12 reasons to explore its charming streets, rich history, stunning views, and unforgettable experiences.
Toronto in Summer: 18 Best Things to Do (2025)
Explore the 18 best things to do in Toronto this summer! From iconic landmarks like the CN Tower and Royal Ontario Museum to local secrets, this guide showcases must-see attractions, insider tips, and unforgettable experiences for your Toronto getaway.
