Florence or Venice: which is more you?

As two of Italy’s most famously romantic and photogenic cities, Florence and Venice hardly need any introduction. They’re on most travellers’ European bucket lists and both are packed full of culture while still being pleasingly compact, making them easy to explore.

But now comes the tricky part: how do you choose between the two? Despite their similarities, each of these cities has its own individual charm. Our insider’s guide reveals the main differences between the two to help you decide – or tempt you to do both.

Florence vs Venice: which is better?

Florence and Venice are often held up as two of the finest examples of Italy’s cultural and aesthetic splendour, but there are key differences between them. Florence sits in the heart of Tuscany, a city of domes and towers surrounded by golden hills. It’s the birthplace of the Renaissance, with galleries, churches and sculptures that have shaped the world’s cultural history.

Venice, on the other hand, is a floating city. Built across over 100 small islands, it’s a place where cars are replaced by boats and grand palazzos rise out of the water. It’s dreamlike and unforgettable, like a film set come to life. While Florence is elegant and grounded, Venice feels mystical, mysterious and utterly unlike anywhere else. 

Which city’s the better intro to Italy?

If this is your first time in Italy, Florence might be the best place to start. Its layout is simple to understand and most attractions are within a short walk of the Duomo. The city has a friendly, manageable feel and it’s also an excellent base for exploring Tuscany, with Siena, Pisa and the Chianti region all within easy reach.

Venice can be more of a puzzle, but that’s part of its charm. There’s no grid system, no straightforward street map. You might get lost in Cannaregio and find a quiet café beside a canal, or turn a corner and stumble into a piazza filled with live music. It’s a city that rewards the curious and suits couples and romantics who want to experience something truly different.

What to do in Florence and Venice

Florence

Climb the Duomo for spellbinding panoramic views, admire Michelangelo’s David and explore the Uffizi Gallery. Cross the medieval Ponte Vecchio, then head to the quieter Oltrarno district to discover artisan workshops and the network of tiny wine bars hidden away on narrow side streets.

The buzzy Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio offers a taste of local life, with stalls heaving with fresh produce. Top tip: San Miniato al Monte, located at the top of one of the highest points in the city, is the place to go for sunset views, with fewer crowds than you’ll find in Piazzale Michelangelo. If you’re looking for more, our travel experts know all the best things to do in and around Florence, from wine tasting tours to gelato making classes.

Venice

Venice’s classics include a visit to tourist-filled St Mark’s Square, a trip to gawp at the magnificently Gothic Doge’s Palace and a boat ride along the Grand Canal. But the real magic lies in the more peaceful everyday scenes here. Wander through the backstreets of Cannaregio, take a local traghetto across the canal or sip an aperitivo beside the water on Giudecca. 

Make time to go island-hopping to Murano and Burano, which are easy to reach and full of charm. Murano is known for its glassmaking workshops, while Burano is famous for its lace and rainbow-coloured houses. Yes, Venice is as much of a tourist hotspot as everyone says, but our in-house travel experts know all the secret tips and tricks for beating the crowds and getting under the skin of this incredible city.

Which one’s better for food and drink? 

There are few places in the world where you’ll eat better than in Italy and the locals are rightly proud of their top dishes. Florence is known for its bold Tuscan flavours. Dishes like ribollita, truffle pasta and bistecca alla fiorentina are best enjoyed with a glass of hearty Chianti or Brunello. Meals are slow and sociable, often served in traditional trattorias lined with shelves of wine bottles and stone walls.

Venice has a lighter, more casual food scene. Small bars serve cicchetti, the Venetian answer to tapas. Expect crostini, fresh seafood, polpette and refreshing spritzes. You could easily spend an entire evening grazing your way from one spot to the next.

Which is easier to get around?

Both cities are car-free and best explored on foot. Florence is compact and straightforward, with all the main sights within walking distance. Venice takes more time to navigate, with footpaths, bridges and canals shaping your route.

Public boats are the easiest way to travel longer distances in Venice. The vaporetto runs like a bus service on water and private water taxis are available for a more luxurious experience.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are ideal, with warm days, lighter crowds and good light for photography. Summer can be hot and hectic, especially in Venice, though the longer evenings are lovely for outdoor dining.

In winter, both cities feel quieter and you’ll get a more local experience. Venice has a misty, magical quality in the colder months and comes alive in February during Carnival. In Florence, the festive season brings bustling markets and twinkling lights, while Easter is marked by the spectacular Scoppio del Carro outside the Duomo.

Can I visit both in one trip?

Yes, and it’s surprisingly easy. Florence and Venice are just over two hours apart by high-speed train, making them ideal to pair on a short break or build into a longer Italian adventure. Start in Venice and glide through canals, then head south to Florence for art, architecture and Tuscan sunshine. Or reverse the order and end your trip with a romantic gondola ride.

Where to stay

Florence

Hotel Brunelleschi – Built around a 6th-century Byzantine tower, this boutique hotel is set right in the heart of the historic centre.

FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole – If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this 19th-century villa perched up in the Tuscan hills ticks all the boxes – including incredible views over Florence.

Venice

Ca Maria Adele – Based in artsy Dorsoduro, this renovated 16th-century palazzo is a romantic and intimate hideaway with just 12 rooms.

Hotel Santa Chiara – It’s hard to beat the Grand Canal views from this converted former monastery, which is also located conveniently close to the train station and transport links.

Perfect pairings

Both cities pair beautifully with other destinations. Combine a trip to Florence with a visit to the Tuscan Riviera, where you can discover quintessential Italian seaside resorts alongside your gallery-hopping excursions. Or strike out into rural Tuscany, where you’ll find fairytale villages nestled into the verdant hillsides. 

From Venice, consider a trip to the Italian Lakes, where you can gaze out over the glassy waters and explore enchanting castles. Or book the journey of a lifetime on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which travels through some of Europe’s most mesmerising landscapes before ending up in Venice.

This article was created on 8th August 2025. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.