If youre interested in visiting ancient cities and villas, Rome is the clear choice over Florence. When it comes to this tricky debate, Id have to lean more towards the side of Florence. Careful advance planning is the key to getting the most out of . I loved how you broke it down by interests. 2) Rome is out capital, for a first trip here it can be interesting to see the "main town" of Italy 3) both Roma and Florence are rich . And with so many great restaurants in Rome to choose from, youll never go hungry. Consider just two of the extraordinary ancient sites. There are multiple expat communities in Italy from Rome (Lazio) to Milan, Florence, Apulia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Abruzzo, to name a few. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. What an architectural beauty!! The short and sweet answer to Florence vs Rome, Florence vs Rome - who should pick Florence, TOP 5 COFFEE SHOPS AND CAFES IN FLORENCE, ITALY, ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR VISIT TO FLORENCE TRAVEL GUIDE, BEST TIME TO VISIT FLORENCE ITALY | IDEAL SEASONS & MONTHS, Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection By Hilton, The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Marriott Autograph Collection, Babuino 181 Small Luxury Hotels of the World, 5 Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary | Things to do + Top Tours, A Day Trip to Capri from Positano + What to do in Capri, How to get from Marco Polo airport to Venice cheap & fast, Best Gelato in Rome, Italy | Top 5 in Quality + Flavor. Spain or Portugal: Which Iberian Escape is Right For You? This is the city of Dante, of Michelangelo, of da Vinci. But which is better: Rome or Florence? No shorts! Whether you want to enjoy an easy hike on a hilltop, a couple of days at a thermal spring, or explore the local vineyards, if you are a countryside lover, this time, Florence beats Rome. Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Lungarno! Florence vs Rome Study Abroad: Which is best? | GoAbroad.com Each city boasts some of the most magnificent things that Italy has to offer, from artistic masterpieces like the statue of David to world-class archeological sites like the Colosseum. They are home to the masterpieces of the most famous Italian artists, including Michelangelo, Bernini, Borromini, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Botticelli. Each of these romantic cities figures prominently on the bucket lists of travelers worldwide. Its obvious you travel right. Our favorite part of La Cornice? Its Italy, need we say more about food and wine? For example, Rome offers a wealth of historical and cultural sights that is simply not available in a smaller town like Florence. Can we call it a draw? If youre so inclined, the Pope gives public addresses on Wednesday mornings when he is in town, and also appears on Sundays at noon when he is in Rome. Its where you can admire the masterpiece that is David, where you can marvel at the work of Botticelli in the Uffizi Gallery, where you can see the grave of Galileo where it sits in the Santa Croce Church. The city is a living museum, with iconic landmarks and monuments, all intern-connected by grand avenues and charming side streets. Farther north, the treasures of Tuscany await. Rome is a big city, with all that a big modern city has to offer. Florence and Rome are both renowned for their delicious food. Speaking of food, fall is the season for truffles, eggplant, and pumpkinall delicious Tuscan delicacies. ). After dark, Rome has a vibrant nightlife. While we would (obviously) recommend squeezing in visits to both the Eternal City and the Cradle of the Renaissance (yes, Italian cities have epic nicknames) if you can, if your Italy trip simply doesnt have room for both, here are some similarities and differences to help you decide between Florence and Rome. However, if you are planning a shorter trip, you might need to decide whether you want to visit Florence or Rome. Im just now seeing your last name! Rome vs Florence: tie Over at the Vatican, the vast museum complexs historic collection of classical art culminates in the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelos frescoes are among the worlds most famous works of art. Dont get us wrong, youre going to have some excellent eats whether you visit Rome vs. Florence. Located right behind the Pantheon and within reach, the Pantheon Inn offers a quiet, peaceful escape in the middle of bustling Rome. Be sure to wear long pants or a skirt that goes below your kneesand yes, that goes for guys, too. There are two main types of trains that operate between Florence and Rome the direct fast Frecciarossa trains, and the regionale veloce trains. But which is best for day trips into the surrounding region when youre ready to explore beyond the city limits? As an Amazon Associate, Our Escape Clause earns from qualifying purchases. And while both Florence and Rome have each their own wine regions (Rome with its famous Castelli), the world-famous Chianti wineries are a favorite day trip from Florence. The rivalry is real and the rivalry is fierce, but each of these two epic destinations has a lot to offer the discerning traveler. Both Florence and Romes are home to a wealth of historical landmarks, from ancient ruins to Renaissance palaces. Save time & skip the line at major Roman Empire attractions during your trip to Rome! The direct fast trains are the quickest option, with a journey time of just 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you start digging into what makes each one unique, you'll see why. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its an exciting place to bea place you could easilyspend a full week. La Loggia degli Albizi is a good choice for coffee and pastry for breakfast and it is close to the Duomo. Overall, Rome has better transportation and connectivity options than Florence, making it easier to get around the city. You can stand in the Colosseum where crowds once stood, cheering along fighting gladiators. The city is located in the heart of Tuscany and fantastic cities such as Siena, Pisa and Lucca are an easy day trip to take by train. With fast trains taking about 95 minutes, Rome and Florence are both day trips from the other. In Florence, youll find scrumptious pasta, some of the best gelato in the world (it was invented in Florence), tasty Florentine steak, lovely pappa al pomodoro, incredible truffles, wonderful Tuscan wine (especially our favorite, the Chianti Classico), and so much more. While Rome perhaps had a lot more to see, given the overabundance of great churches and museums, we found Firenze to be much more experiential, and we are suckers for new experiences! With fewer crowds, youll feel like you have the most popular sites (almost) all to yourself. Which Italian city is your perfect match? But as surprisingly small as Florence is, the riverside city looms large as the cradle of the Renaissance. Thankfully, in most Italy classic itineraries, both cities are included. After dinner, take a stroll through the streets of Rome, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city at night. You can wear a light jacket to admire the tabernacles, stroll through the Oltrarno neighborhood on the other side of the Arno River, or sit outside as you taste incredible pasta at Trattoria Sabatino. My biggest argument for choosing Rome over Florence is if you're keen to explore Roman history and see the most famous sights of Western civilization. However, if art is more your thing, Florence is hard to beat. Its compact nature makes visiting a breeze, and it's less overwhelming than Naples. Plan ahead! I know that I sang the praises of Tuscan food above (and I meant it! Each city has been a prime location for major events across the sweep of time. Have you always wanted to bask in the glory of the Colosseum, to wander through the Roman Forum and see if you can squint and imagine life 2000 years ago, or to theorize at how the Pantheon was built while staring up at it in person? Make sure you read our tips to plan a perfect trip to Italy. If you make it to Rome visiting family, I say a side trip to Florence is definitely in order one day. Rome and Florence have the most to offer the majority of visitors to Italy so they should probably remain on your itinerary. Other reasons for Venice+Roma are: 1) Venice is unique and particular, you must see it. Theme by 17th Avenue. Florence and Rome have a vibrant nightlife scene. The uber-fast Frecciarossa trains pass through here from Milan, Venice, and Rome, so there are links to the capital and other awesome Italian towns . This is a good summary of the differences between Florence and Rome. 10 Gorgeous Places To Visit In Italy Other Than Rome See other top reasons why you should visit Florence in the fall. It is right in the center near the corner of Via Cavour on the south side of Via Guelfa. So if youre looking for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, make sure to add the Vatican to your list of places to see in Rome. Its a good thing most of our Italy tours do! Youll find that you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time without feeling exhausted, leaving plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely lunch or an afternoon gelato. From the Roman emperors through the drama of the popes to Mussolini, Rome stars or at least makes an important appearance in much of the narrative for the history of European culture. Were planning on making our third trip to the region this summer, I dont think its ever possible to get enough of it. Delicious, varied, and accessible, Tuscan cuisine is addictive and delicious. Scarf If youre visiting Florence or Rome in the summer and are female, its likely youll be wearing a tank top or off-the-shoulder top. Actually, going to southern Italy is like going back in time. ), but the truth is, all of Italy is home to some of the most incredible cuisine in the world. Major sites, like the Colosseum and the Vatican, are not within walking distance of each other, so planning an itinerary (and getting around to all the most popular photo spots in Rome) takes a bit more legwork than in a smaller city like Florence. From March to May, the average high temperature in Rome is 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit), while in Florence it is 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit). I know Florence better than Rome and each time I'm there I buy Deruta pottery from this place-La Botteghina Del Ceramista . But theres something about Florence that just cant be beat. We have heard great things about both Siena and Florence. The Vatican at Easter is a sight to see. # 1 lhenry1998 Original Poster Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 45 Likes: 0 Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts Rome vs Milan We are going to Italy for the first time, and are torn between Rome and Milan. Planning properly, even if you are traveling on a shoestring, you can make a trip to both Florence and Rome. Pantheon Inn If youre looking for a building with classic Italian charm in the heart of Rome, this is it. Florence vs Rome | Which is Best for Your Trip to Italy? Florence and Rome continue to be major centers for the arts with world-renowned museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Vatican Museums. Reusable Water Bottle Dont get stuck buying overpriced water when youre out and about: save money and avoid putting more plastic on the Earth by carrying a reusable water bottle with you on the go. Essentially, The Wesley as a guesthouse floats somewhere between budget and mid-range, with a luxury-status worthy location. Let us know on our Facebook page! For those who want to experience something truly unique, there is also the opportunity to enjoy the evenings in both cities with an aperitif. Both cities have a wealth of history, vibrant cultures, and delicious food. Rome vs. Florence: Which Italian City is Right for You? Florence is located in the northern part of Italy, while Rome is more central. You can even take a virtual sightseeing tour of these sites. From inspiring stories to tips for an amazing trip, the topics we cover are all about getting you out there and making discoveries. They both are packed with art, boast a long history, have plenty of great restaurants, are blessed with fantastic local dishes, and are some of the best places to propose in Italy. Rome. Where to Stay in Florence, Italy | Top Areas and Hotels. Whether you are looking for a clubby night out on the town or a quiet evening spent soaking up the atmosphere of these two amazing cities, you will find what you are looking for in Florence and Rome. Its located right in the center of the city, but as soon as you enter, youd never know. The museums will be located in well-known artists' hometownsin an attempt to give more context to the work and artist. Florence Vs Rome | Which city offers more than that meets the eye. Make the most of your time in Italy with Lonely Planets range of travel guides and phrasebooks. Dalla is one of the most interesting popular expressions of Italian culture. While both cities have brilliant history, Rome is essentially a living museum. I have to say, that of the two, Im more into Florence. Packed with iconic sites like the Duomo, Santa Croce, the Uffizi Gallery, and more, the best part of Florence is that everything is in walking distance. There is no wrong answer when choosing Florence or Rome to add to your Italy itinerary. And of course, lets not forget about the Renaissance. Whats the difference between Rome and Florence, anyway? Florence and Rome are two of the most influential cities in the world when it comes to art. Prego! So it can vary between 20 to 50. Florence also has a much more intimate feel to it, and its easier to get around on foot. Is Florence Worth Visiting? Here's 21 Reasons Why You Should! And while Florence may not have as many world-famous sights as its larger counterpart, it more than makes up for it with its charming streets, beautiful churches, and incredible art museums. Whether youre Catholic or not, theres something about Vatican City that draws you in: as the smallest country in the world, its impossible not to marvel at the sheer amount of power that has come from this small city-within-a-city. Naples vs. Florence: The Short Answer Florence - historical town (2) Florence is the smaller of the two cities. Want to avoid long lines at the Uffizi? You want to visit a walkable city. Your email address will not be published. Hilltop Tivoli is home to two Unesco World Heritage sites: Villa Adriana, the emperor Hadrians colossal country estate, and Villa dEste, famous for its landscaped gardens and lavish fountains. Thats simply because I always find Rome too nuts, and when youre from London, you want a little peace. I love both and couldnt choose between them! Naples gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun. If the Renaissance period interests you, its hard to imagine a better destination than Florence. With 5-6 days after the cruise, the possibilities are endless, especially without knowing your tastes. It was extremely clean and comfortable, and VERY affordable for Rome. The temperature cools down as winter sets in, making walking all day a lot more comfortable. Pisa has that famous tower, Lucca embodies the medieval walled ideal, Siena is a hilltop paragon of Italian Gothic beauty, Arezzo has art, Chianti pours its incomparable wine the list goes on and on. Florence vs. Venice, Italy | Which Should you Visit? On the other hand, Florence may be smaller and more contained, but it packs a punch when it comes to culture and history. In two to three hours, a local expert can take you to show the major highlights without wasting time in long lines and trying to find your way. Its the birthplace of some of the periods most notable artists, too: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli, to name a few. Romes art begins with the Etruscans and the ancient Romans and continues with its world-class street art today. TOP 5 Coffee Shops and Cafes in Florence, Italy, TOP 5 Florence Gelato Spots | Quality Picks in the City Center, Essentials For Your Visit to Florence Travel Guide, A Week in Italy 5 Italy Itinerary Ideas, Most Romantic Cities in the USA for a Couples Getaway, Seville to Cordoba Day Trip | Itinerary & Guide. We are Texans planning our first European trip next summer. The Pantheon, with its revolutionary design, is an awe-inspiring temple that has served as an architectural blueprint for millennia. You can even take a virtual sightseeing tour of these sites. Enchanting Emilia-Romagna, Italy: Itinerary for 7 Food-Filled Days, 19 Best Day Trips from Barcelona (+ How to Get There! But don't cut more than one day from each city. Ive enjoyed reading your posts so much! Theres definitely plenty of tourist trap restaurants to be avoided, thats for sure. Rome, on the other hand, is renowned for its offal-based dishes from its cucina povera (poor mans cuisine) tradition and also for its Roman-style pizza featuring a thin crust and a variety of fresh toppings. La Cornice is set slightly outside the main tourist areas, but an easy 5-minute walk to the metro and a 20-minute ride got us to the Colosseum and other major sights. To sum up Florence: A trip here will likely focus on food, Renaissance art, walkable highlights, and visits to the Tuscan countryside. All rights reserved. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, Im working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA. after Rome I would probably want to go to Lucca, then to Florence, then to Siena. Just like everything else in Italy, gelato is made with only the finest ingredients and craftsmanship. Here on Our Escape Clause, we are dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures. In terms of religious souvenirs, Rome is the obvious choice. The city has been home to some of the most important events in Western history, and it shows. We typically focus on travel in the USA and Europe (especially in our beloved Italy), but feature destinations across the world! If youre looking for a bustling, cosmopolitan city with plenty of things to do, Rome is the place for you. If youre looking for a dose of fine art and world-famous masterpieces on your next trip to Italy, you cant go wrong with either Florence or Rome. The citys compact size means that almost everything is always just a short stroll away. In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Many day trips from Florence include quaint hill towns and villages such as San Gimignano and Volterra. Though much smaller in size, Florence is filled to the brim with museums, artwork, restaurants, and other stellar sites. These Italian gems are filled with stunning sights, magnificent Art, and plenty of History and Culture to write voluminous books on. It maybe historical, but is far from a stagnant relic, Rome is a vivacious and chaotic city, led by emotions and the . Rome has so many shops to visitwith fashionable clothing, souvenirs, and even the big brands we all know well. And now we'll explain you why they will tie this match. Florence or Amalfi Coast - Rick Steves Travel Forum There are many reasons to choose Rome over Florence as a travel destination, and wanting to visit the Vatican is a pretty obvious one. So, which city should you visit if youre a history buff? The . Tuscany (and Rome) Itinerary - Florence Forum - Tripadvisor Some links in this post may be affiliate links. Tuscany has not been at the cusp of such momentous change since the Renaissance, but Rome features throughout world history and events there continue to shape our lives today. Florence is packed with iconic sites such as the Duomo, Santa Croce, the Uffizi Gallery, and more, and the best part is that everything is within walking distance. Updated on: June 16, 2023 / 4:32 AM / CBS/AP. The winner: Rome comes out top here. Rome encompasses the course of history, and Florence stars in the Renaissance. Rome Pope Francis was discharged Friday from the Rome hospital where he had abdominal surgery nine days earlier to repair a hernia and remove . While I would never pass up a trip to Rome, I find Florence to be uniquely charming and inviting. Rome is Rome, why would you leave? Apart from the Centro Storico teaming with tourists from the world over, there are also lesser-known neighborhoods but extremely fascinating to explore. Rome, on the other hand, is renowned for its ancient ruins, including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Pizza lovers already know about Naples, the home of authentic Neapolitan pizza made with a specific type of tomatoes and cheese. All prices are only valid for the duration of this browsing session. You will have to dig a little harder in Rome to find tasty restaurants and lower prices, but youll be in for a culinary treat in both cities as long as you plan ahead. Try fresh pappardelle with wild boar sauce at Zeb or top-notch cheeses and cured meats at Ino. Avoiding the Most Common Travel Mistake on Your Trip to Italy Learn about his legacy at this new exhibit. We asked an Italian Tour Director where to get gelato in Florence. Like Italian food, Italian wine is the stuff of legends. Plus, who could pass up Tuscan cuisine? But for a longer stay I would stay in Florence. Staying here, youll be within easy walking distance of the best of what Florence has to offer. While Florence is home to some beautiful churches and cathedrals, it doesnt have anything that can compare to the majesty of the Vatican and its Saint Peters Basilica. Its home to nearlyall of the Roman sights youve seen in movieslike the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Roman Forum, jut to name a few. That being said, Rome is not difficult to navigateit simply requires a bit more planning to make sure you see everything you want to without doubling back or spending extra time in transit. While in Rome, do enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many restaurants located in the historic center. Venice is another possibility, though, and to a lesser extent Florence or Bologna. If you are interested in the way the Romans lived, visit the Baths of Caracalla. April 21 is the annual celebration of Romes birthday and there are parades, mock gladiator shows, and vibrant fireworks all the way from Aventine Hill to the Tiber River. Roman sightseeing is dominated by ancient Roman sights . I found the food here more similar to Rome, whereas the food in Naples felt like "Naples food" not "Italian food", if that makes sense. With vespas and cars whizzing around you, people from all kinds of places, a variety of restaurants, and many museums, everything you could possibly want is right at your fingertips. If youve never been to Italy, visiting Rome is a must. Some places might be difficult to reach if you dont have your own car. Rather than thinking Florence vs. Rome, you can appreciate Florence AND Rome. Then Florence is definitely the city for you. With its abundance of budget-friendly accommodation and restaurant options as well as plenty of free things to do, you can enjoy all the city has to offer without breaking the bank. Its also worth noting that Florence is significantly smaller than Rome, so its easier to see everything at a leisurely pace. Meals feature platters of cured meats, cheeses and pate-topped toasts, and mains include bistecca alla fiorentina, Florences iconic T-bone steak. Florence or Siena?? - Florence Forum - Tripadvisor 17 years ago Save My boyfriend and I are planning to spend three days in Tuscany in late December. To sum up Rome: A trip here will likely focus on majestic monuments, the Vatican, and the history of the Roman Empire. A Pacsafe! Luckily, the Vatican is also not a season-specific activitywhether youre visiting Rome in the winter or the summer, the Vatican will look just the same! Its where you can admire the masterpiece that is. who would like to be within walking distance to the best that Centro Storico has to offer. Florence is more picturesque, with pretty buildings and an amazing art gallery (Birth of Venus and David are both in Florence). Yes, because while you can eat and drink extraordinarily well in both Rome and Florence, the cities have important differences between them. There are, however, a few differences that you should keep in mind when choosing Rome vs. Florence. Rome. where you can marvel at the work of Botticelli in the Uffizi Gallery, where you can see the grave of Galileo where it sits in the Santa Croce Church. Personally, we love both cities for very different reasons and will continue to visit them both again and again. How Many Days in Venice, Italy do you Really Need? Man, I adore Naples, but I cant say I love it more than Florence! Hotel Condotti Located just around the corner from the Spanish Steps (and consequently the Piazza di Spagna metro station), you couldnt ask for a better location in Rome! Things to know before traveling to Florence - Lonely Planet Pisa or Florence? Which Tuscan City Should I Visit? - Travel Snippet Rome vs Florence: Which Italian City to Visit? The city is home to a large number of Catholic churches and other religious sites, and there are plenty of shops that sell items like rosaries and crucifixes. When it comes to food, there is no city in Italy that can compare to Rome. Youll definitely sleep well that night. It depends on how you decide to travel to Florence from Rome. Pope Francis leaves hospital 'in better shape than before' Eating gelato is as much a part of Roman life as morning coffee: try it and youll understand why. If you absolutely must choose between the two, we would recommend Florence if you are interested in smaller, walkable cities and accessible countryside on your trip, and Rome if youre looking for a large, majestic citywhat other kind of experience could Rome offer, after all, after being the seat of an empire? Too good! I also spend a lot of time in Veneto, and Florence is only 2 hours drive away, which may have something to do with my bias! There are also plenty of Christmas markets to browse and lovely nativity scenes to admire in both cities. There are tree-lined paths, several museums, three historic temples, a boating lake, zoo, cinema, full-scale Globe Theatre, and one of the worlds finest art galleries. Both Florence and Rome are very popular tourist destinations in Italy, so you can expect large crowds in both cities especially in the high season, usually July and August. Naples. I'm not sure if you could take public transit from the Amalfi coast to NAP airport that early in the morn. Rome vs Florence, Florence vs Rome, the Italian derby. Both cities are filled with ancient ruins, world-famous museums, and an abundance of charm. "Better Florentine Steak In Rome Than In Florence" Review of Maxela. Both cities offer a wide variety of traditional dishes that are sure to satisfy your hunger. Florence is perhaps best known for its art museums, which house some of the worlds most famous paintings and sculptures, but lets not forget buildings such as Palazzo della Signoria or Palazzo Pitti, all precious sights if you want to dig into the local history. Are you the type of traveler who likes to be able to walk to everything rather than taking public transportation or driving? For me, it has to be the food. Stroll through the city and stumble upon hidden gems, from quaint cafs to artisan workshops. "what is so different between the two". Its the fastest, most efficient, and relatively easiest way. Technically, Rome and Florence are only an hour and a half apart by train (if you buy the more expensive fast-train ticketsthe standard regional train takes 3.5 to 4 hours), but we wouldnt recommend taking a day trip between them unless you just absolutely cannot help yourself. But other popular day trips from Rome all require hopping a fast train or a trip on the highways. It is polished, clean, and quite neat. No matter what type of art youre interested in, youre sure to find it in Florence or Rome. Another difference between Rome and Florence is that if Rome is a history museum, Florence is an outdoor art museum.
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