Rome vs Florence: Which Should You Visit?

Rome or Florence? It’s one of the most common dilemmas for first-time Italy visitors. Both cities are incredible, but they offer very different experiences.

The good news: you can’t go wrong. The better news: we’ll help you figure out which city matches what you’re looking for.

Quick Comparison

Choose Rome if: You want ancient history, grand scale, diverse neighborhoods, and big city energy.

Choose Florence if: You want Renaissance art, compact walkability, Tuscan food and wine, and a more intimate atmosphere.

Best answer: Visit both. They’re only 90 minutes apart by train.

Size and Scale

Rome is a sprawling metropolis. Nearly 3 million people, endless neighborhoods to explore, and attractions spread across the city. You’ll use public transport. You could spend weeks and not see everything.

Florence is compact and walkable. About 380,000 people, with almost everything within a 20-minute walk. You can see the major highlights in 2-3 days. It feels more like a large town than a city.

Winner: Depends on your style. Rome for variety and adventure. Florence for ease and concentration.

History and Ruins

Rome wins hands down for ancient history. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Appian Way – you’re walking through 2,000+ years of history. Layers upon layers of civilization visible everywhere.

Florence is Renaissance-focused. The city’s golden age was the 1400-1500s. Medieval churches, Renaissance palaces, but nothing ancient. History here is about art, banking, and the Medici family.

Winner: Rome for ancient ruins. Florence for medieval and Renaissance.

Art and Museums

Rome has incredible art spread across dozens of locations. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are unmissable. Borghese Gallery has stunning sculptures. But art here competes with history and architecture.

Florence is purpose-built for art lovers. The Uffizi has the world’s best Renaissance collection. The Accademia has Michelangelo’s David. Art is everywhere – even small churches have masterpieces. This city invented the Renaissance.

Winner: Florence for Renaissance art concentration. Rome for variety and the Vatican.

Food Scene

Rome has bold, hearty food. Carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana – pasta rules here. Supplì (fried rice balls), pizza al taglio, and Jewish-Roman cuisine add variety. Food is fuel for exploring.

Florence offers refined Tuscan cuisine. Bistecca alla Fiorentina (massive T-bone steak), ribollita soup, fresh pasta with wild boar. Nearby Chianti provides world-class wines. Food here is an event.

Winner: Tie. Both are incredible but different. Rome for pasta, Florence for steak and wine.

Wine and Drinks

Rome has great wine bars and aperitivo culture, but wine isn’t the focus. Local wines are good but not famous.

Florence is the gateway to Tuscany’s legendary wine regions. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile – all within day trip distance. The city has excellent enotecas (wine bars).

Winner: Florence, easily. Tuscany is wine country.

Day Trips

From Rome: Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Tivoli, Orvieto, Ostia Antica. Great variety but most require 2+ hours travel.

From Florence: Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, Lucca, Chianti wine country. All within an hour, easy to do independently.

Winner: Florence for convenience. Rome for variety.

Atmosphere

Rome feels alive, chaotic, vibrant. Vespas buzz past ancient ruins. Every neighborhood has its own character. It’s a real working city where locals live their lives alongside tourists.

Florence feels refined, artistic, concentrated. The centro storico can feel like an open-air museum. More tourists per square meter, especially around the Duomo. Beautiful but sometimes crowded.

Winner: Rome for authentic city life. Florence for beauty and charm.

Budget

Rome offers more range. Luxury hotels to budget hostels, expensive restaurants to €5 pizza slices. Easier to do cheaply if you know where to go.

Florence is generally pricier, especially in the center. Fewer budget options. Restaurants tend to be more expensive. But it’s smaller so you walk more and spend less on transport.

Winner: Rome for budget flexibility.

How Many Days

Rome: Minimum 3 days for highlights. 4-5 days to explore properly. A week if you want day trips.

Florence: Minimum 2 days for highlights. 3 days to explore comfortably. Add days for Tuscan day trips.

For First-Time Visitors

If you’ve never been to Italy and can only pick one:

Pick Rome if: You want the “greatest hits” of Italy. Ancient history, the Vatican, iconic landmarks, big city experience.

Pick Florence if: You’re passionate about art, prefer smaller cities, or want easy access to Tuscan countryside.

For Repeat Visitors

Already been to one? Visit the other. They complement each other perfectly.

After Rome: Florence feels intimate and focused. The art concentration is stunning.

After Florence: Rome feels epic and diverse. The ancient history adds a new dimension.

Why Not Both?

Rome and Florence are only 90 minutes apart by high-speed train. Trains run frequently and tickets are affordable if booked ahead.

One week itinerary: 4 days Rome + 3 days Florence, or vice versa.

10 days: Add the Amalfi Coast or more Tuscan towns.

Splitting time between both gives you the best of both worlds – ancient and Renaissance, big city and intimate town, Roman cuisine and Tuscan wine.

Final Verdict

There’s no wrong choice. Rome offers scale, history, and variety. Florence offers art, beauty, and Tuscan charm. Both are unforgettable.

If you’re truly torn and can only pick one, go with your gut. Which photos make your heart beat faster? That’s your answer.

But honestly? Find a way to do both. You won’t regret it.