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Rome and Florence are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, but which city is better? Rome vs Florence?
Both cities have a lot to offer tourists. Rome is the capital of Italy and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Florence is a smaller city, but it is full of art and culture. Both cities are high up on the lists of tourists everywhere.
Whether you can only see one of them, or you trying to decide which one is worthy of more days on your itinerary, read on to help you make your choice.
My Personal Pick
Personally, I preferred Florence over Rome. I stayed in the historic centre there, fell in love with their sandwiches and enjoyed everything being within walking distance. However, that is just my personal preference; keep reading to help you form your own opinion.
In saying that, my choice for others at the end of this article may surprise you.
About Florence, Italy
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. It is one of the most populous cities in Italy, with a population of about 366,500 people. Florence is known for its art and architecture, and for its role in the Renaissance. The city has a number of significant sights, including the Florence Cathedral, the Baptistery of St. John, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Ponte Vecchio.
About Rome, Italy
Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year, millions of people travel to Rome to see its famous sights, such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican.
Rome is also a great place to eat. The city has a wide variety of restaurants that serve both traditional Italian food and international cuisine. And of course, no visit to Rome would be complete without trying some of the city’s delicious gelato!
Which Has the Better Hotels?
When planning a trip to Italy, the question of where to stay can be a tough one. Rome and Florence are two of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and both have a wide variety of hotels to choose from. So, which city has the best hotels?
There is no clear answer when it comes to the best hotels in Rome or Florence. Both cities have high-end luxury hotels as well as more affordable options. It really depends on what you are looking for in a hotel and what your budget is.
If you are looking for a luxurious experience, then Rome may be the better option. The city is home to some of the world’s most famous luxury hotel brands, like the Hassler Roma and the Hotel Eden. These hotels offer top-notch service and amenities, and their prices reflect that.
Which Has the Better Food?
Rome and Florence are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. They are both renowned for their art, history, and culture. But which city has the best food?
If you’re looking for traditional Italian cuisine, Rome has plenty of it. The city is home to some of the country’s most iconic dishes, like spaghetti alla carbonara and amatriciana. And no trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to one of its world-famous pizzerias.
Florence, on the other hand, is known for its Tuscan cuisine. This style of cooking is all about simple, fresh ingredients. Think grilled meats and vegetables, hearty soups, and homemade breads. I personally liked the food better in Florence, but that may have been because I hadn’t had a good sandwich in ages, and Florence really brought their A game.
This one has to be a tie.
Which Has Better Architecture?
Rome is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the world, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Florence, on the other hand, is known for its Renaissance-style architecture, exemplified by its Duomo cathedral.
So which city has the best architecture? It’s difficult to choose
Both Rome and Florence have a wide variety of architectural styles, from ancient to modern. And both cities have plenty of buildings that are sure to wow visitors. Rome definitely has the more famous architecture, the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain are heard of practically everywhere.
For this one, Rome wins, but its close.
Which Has the Better Public Transport?
When it comes to public transport, there is no clear winner between Rome and Florence. Both cities have their pros and cons when it comes to getting around.
Rome definitely has the edge when it comes to metro systems. The city has an extensive underground network that can get you pretty much anywhere you need to go. Florence, on the other hand, does not have a metro system at all. In the historic centre, nearly everything is walkable though, so public transport isn’t as important once you’re there.
However, Florence makes up for its lack of a metro system with its extensive network of trams. These trams can take you all over the city and are generally very efficient. Rome also has a tram system, but it is not nearly as comprehensive as Florence’s.
This one’s a tie, but with a slight edge to Florence.
Which Has the Better Nightlife?
Both cities have a lot to offer in terms of nightlife, but which one is better?
If you’re looking for a lively and exciting nightlife scene, Rome is the place to be. There are countless bars and clubs to choose from, and the streets are always bustling with people. You’ll never be bored in Rome!
Florence also has a great nightlife scene, but it’s more low-key than Rome. If you’re looking for a relaxed evening out, with good food and wine, then Florence is the perfect choice. There are plenty of cosy bars and restaurants to choose from.
So, which city has the better nightlife? It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a rowdy night out, go to Rome.
Which Has More Attractions & Things to do?
In Florence, you can marvel at Michelangelo’s David, enjoy some of the best art in the world at the Uffizi Gallery, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, and more. Or you can head to Rome to see the Colosseum, Vatican City, the Spanish Steps, and more. So which city has better attractions?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to see some of the most famous works of art in the world, then Florence is the place for you. If you’re interested in ancient history, then Rome is probably a better choice. Both cities have a lot to offer, so it really comes down to what you’re most interested in seeing.
For the sake of picking though, Rome probably has the most famous attractions to see.
Which is Prettier?
Florence and Rome are two of the most beautiful cities in Italy. But which one is prettier?
Florence is often called the “Cradle of the Renaissance” because of its rich history and stunning architecture. The city is home to some of the world’s most famous art, including Michelangelo’s David and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Florence also has beautiful parks, gardens, and squares.
Rome, on the other hand, is known for its ancient ruins, like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. The city also has amazing Baroque architecture, as well as fountains, museums, and churches.
Both Florence and Rome are incredibly beautiful and have a lot to offer visitors, but overall, Florence is the prettier, more romantic city.
Which is Best for Solo Female Travelers?
There are pros and cons to both Florence and Rome for solo female travelers.
In Florence, solo female travelers can expect to feel safe walking around during the day. The city is smaller and more manageable than Rome, making it easier to get around and see the sights. However, at night the windy streets can be empty away from the restaurants, so you may feel a little less safe.
In Rome, on the other hand, there are more people out and about at night, so solo female travelers may feel safer. But during the day it can be overwhelming trying to navigate such a large city by yourself. That being said, Rome is a grittier city, and we’d advise keeping against walking alone in dodgier looking areas.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you are looking for in a vacation spot. If you want to feel more like a local and have a more relaxed trip, Florence may be the better choice. But if you want to be able to explore a larger city with plenty of things to do, Rome would be a better option.
If you’re a ‘safety sally’ though, *cough, guilty*, you’ll feel better overall in Florence.
Which is Best for Families?
When planning a trip to Italy with young children in tow, many families find themselves wondering whether Florence or Rome is the better destination. While both cities offer an abundance of kid-friendly attractions, there are some key differences that families should take into account when making their decision.
Rome is perhaps best known for its ancient ruins, which can be both fascinating and educational for kids of all ages. From the Colosseum to the Vatican Museums, there are endless opportunities for learning about history and culture in Rome. Families can also take advantage of Rome’s many parks and playgrounds, which provide a welcome respite from sightseeing.
Florence, on the other hand, is more focused on art and architecture. So for that reason, families will probably enjoy Rome more than Florence.
Which is Best for Couples?
There is no easy answer, as both cities have a lot to offer. Florence is known for its art and history, while Rome is known for its food and culture.
If you’re looking for a romantic city with plenty of things to see and do, then Florence may be the better choice. If you’re looking for a city with great food and nightlife, then Rome may be the better choice.
For me personally, I felt Florence was more of a romantic city, so that’s my recommendation here.
Which is Best for Older Travelers?
Florence is a smaller city than Rome, and it is easier to get around on foot. There are also plenty of things to see and do, without having to walk too far. The historical center of Florence is relatively flat, making it easy to explore.
Rome, on the other hand, is a much larger city. It can be more difficult to get around, especially if you are not used to walking long distances. However, there is so much to see and do in Rome that it is worth the effort. And once you have seen the sights, you can always take a break in one of the many parks or coffee shops.
Overall, Florence is probably the best choice for older travelers.
Which is More Affordable?
If you book early and you’re on a budget, both Rome and Florence can be equally affordable. In Rome, you may have to go with a slightly more “rustic” hotel or hostel, but you can get a decent deal in either town.
Food in Rome can be surprisingly cheap depending on where you eat, but overall food is a little bit cheaper in Florence. Keep in mind though, as most tourists gather around the historic centre in Florence, food prices get pushed up a bit there. In Rome, the tourist area is less consentrated, so it can be easier to find cheaper food in less busy areas.
There are some things that cost more in Florence than in Rome. Attractions like the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo are a bit pricier than their counterparts in Rome.
I personally spent less on food and accommodation in Rome, however that could be because I stayed right in the centre of Florence’s tourist zone. In Rome I chose to stay near a train station, just outside of the tourist area, so both accommodation and food were cheaper.
These two places have similar prices depending on how close you are to the sights, but Florence may be slightly cheaper if you stay outside of the historic centre.
Which is Better for Luxury Travelers?
There are many reasons to visit Florence, but for luxury travelers, there are a few key reasons to include this city on your itinerary. First, Florence is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, including the Four Seasons and the St. Regis.
In addition, the city is home to a number of high-end designer stores, perfect for those who want to do some shopping while they’re in town. And finally, Florence is known for its fine dining – you’ll find plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants here to choose from.
Rome may be better known as a historical destination, but it also has its fair share of luxury offerings. Here you can indulge in private tours and a high quality hotel set amidst one of the most famous cities in the world.
So which one wins? It’s a tie. For foodies pick Florence, for history buffs pick Rome.
Can I Just See Both?
You can if you wish, but if you only have time for one, and you are a first time visitor to Italy, I’d recommend Rome. It has world famous attractions and is on the bucketlist of so many travelers everywhere.