Rome vs. Florence: Which Italian City Should You Choose?

The delights of both Rome and Florence are reason enough for a trip to Italy. Each of these romantic cities figures prominently on the bucket lists of travelers worldwide. However, if you only have time for one, which should you pick?

A summary of each goes from strength to strength, but vital differences between the two cities will help you in your trip planning. Rome is a heady mix of haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art, and vibrant street life. It is one of the world’s most charismatic cities. Moreover, as surprisingly small as Florence is, the riverside city looms large as the cradle of the Renaissance. Florence is magnetic, and its narrow streets evoke a thousand tales.

Which has better art and architecture?

Both Rome and Florence are places of art and architecture. Their masterpieces are nearly countless, and their “second tier” works would be first tier anywhere else.

Discover Rome’s Epic Buildings

Rome’s art begins with the Etruscans and the ancient Romans and continues with its world-class street art today. Consider just two of the extraordinary ancient sites. The Colosseum, Rome’s great gladiatorial amphitheater, encapsulates all the blood and thunder of ancient Rome. The Pantheon, with its revolutionary design, is an awe-inspiring temple that has served as an architectural blueprint for millennia.

At the Vatican, the vast museum complex’s historic collection of classical art culminates in the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s frescoes are among the world’s most famous works of art. Under his dome at St. Peter’s Basilica, marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà and many other celebrated masterpieces.

Florence is a Treasure Trove of Renaissance Jewels

Florence’s wealth of museums and galleries house many of the world’s most exquisite examples of Renaissance art, and its architecture is unrivaled. The Duomo is a must-see. The Uffizi is one of the world’s most famous art galleries, with rooms devoted to the likes of Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Botticelli. A short stroll away, at the Galleria dell’Accademia, Michelangelo’s David continues to wow the masses just as it did when it was first unveiled in 1504.

These two galleries are not the only repositories of artistic masterpieces in Florence. Churches, chapels, and a bevy of lesser-known museums showcase masterpieces galore. The city’s compact size means that almost everything is always just a short stroll away.

The winner: It’s a tough call! For Renaissance art, nothing compares to Florence. The city has iconic masterworks that are worth the pilgrimage just to behold them. However, Rome is also outstanding in this department. While Florence has Brunelleschi’s dome on the Duomo, the Eternal City boasts Michelangelo’s dome on St. Peter’s. Moreover, Rome has ancient archaeological sites and arguably a more vibrant modern art scene. On the basis of breadth across time, we cautiously tip our hat to Rome.

What’s the Best Italian City for History?

Rome encompasses the course of history, and Florence shines in the Renaissance. Each city has been a prime location for major events across the sweep of time.

Gods, Emperors, and Popes in Rome

From the Roman emperors through the drama of the popes, Rome makes an important appearance in much of the narrative for the history of European culture. Rome’s history spans three millennia, from classical myths of vengeful gods to the follies of Roman emperors, from Renaissance excess and papal plotting to oppressive 20th-century fascism. Everywhere you go in this remarkable city, you’re surrounded by the past. Martial ruins, Renaissance palazzi (mansions), and flamboyant baroque basilicas all have tales to tell: of family feuding, historic upheavals, artistic rivalries, intrigues, and dark passions.

Machinations and Medicis in Florence

Florence’s history centers on the powerful Medici dynasty and the birth of the Renaissance. To this day, it is the Renaissance, with its extraordinary art and architecture, that defines the city and remains Tuscany’s greatest moment. Each of the characters of this era is memorable, from Cosimo the Elder to Machiavelli and beyond. It’s the stuff of movies, and countless films and TV shows have drawn on the drama of the Florentine Renaissance.

The winner: Rome comes out on top here. Tuscany has not been at the cusp of such momentous change since the Renaissance, but Rome appears throughout world history, and events there continue to shape our lives today.

Is Rome or Florence Better for Foodies?

It’s Italy, so both cities shine in terms of food and wine. Yes, while you can eat incredibly well in both Rome and Florence, the cities have significant differences between them.

Try Gelato in Rome

Like most Italian cuisines, cucina romana (Roman cooking) was born from careful adaptation of local ingredients. Almost every trattoria and restaurant in Rome serves classic Roman pasta dishes like carbonara and cacio e pepe (made with pecorino romano and black pepper). Eating gelato in Rome is as essential as morning coffee: try it, and you’ll understand why. After dark, Rome has vibrant nightlife. Romans eat late and then drink at bars before heading off to clubs around 1 AM.

Florence is the Home of the Slow Food Movement

Florence’s exceptional dining scene ranges from enoteche (wine bars) bursting with cured meats and cheeses to no-nonsense trattorias, bustling food markets, modern Tuscan cafes, and innovative top-end restaurants. The Slow Food movement was born in Tuscany, and the city meets every gastronomic taste with style and panache. The day’s end ushers in aperitivi (pre-dinner drinks), a cherished ritual that’s big and buzzing in Florence, featuring outstanding Chiantis and other Tuscan wines. Meals typically include platters of cured meats, cheeses, and florentine steak, Florence’s iconic T-bone dish.

Wandering the streets with fresh gelato made from extraordinary Tuscan ingredients is a ritual, but prowling the city’s cobblestones late at night to party is less common.

The winner: Rome has Tuscan restaurants, but Florence features fewer Roman restaurants. Although we’ll officially declare a tie in gelato, in nearly every other food category (except nightlife), we’ll give the nod to Florence.

Which is Easier for Day Trips?

With fast trains taking about 95 minutes, Rome and Florence are both day trips from each other. But which is best for day trips into the surrounding region when you’re ready to explore beyond the city limits?

Explore Lavish Villas Near Rome

Rome is Rome, after all! Local magnificence aside, it might be due to the lack of nearby world-class sights. Ostia Antica offers a chance to see the remains of a Roman port. Hilltop Tivoli is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Villa Adriana, the emperor Hadrian’s colossal country estate, and Villa d’Este, famous for its landscaped gardens and lavish fountains. Alternatively, explorers can head to the verdant Castelli Romani, which includes Castel Gandolfo.

However, popular day trips from Rome often require hopping on a fast train or driving. Orvieto in Umbria has one of Italy’s most awe-inspiring Gothic cathedrals. Further north, the treasures of Tuscany await, and to the south, you’ll discover Naples and Pompeii.

Reach Italy’s Most Famous Sights from Florence

Day trips from Florence highlight an all-star cast of Italian attractions. Pisa boasts its famous tower, Lucca embodies the medieval walled ideal, Siena represents Italian Gothic beauty, and Chianti pours its incomparable wine. Just driving among the hill towns and lush valleys of Tuscany is a top reason to visit.

Many of the region’s top sights are easily reached by frequent and affordable trains. More active excursions are well suited for cycling, either independently or through organized tours.

The winner: Florence wins this round as Tuscany is packed with amazing day trips, much like the city is with art treasures.