Florence vs. Rome: Which city will steal your heart?

Florence and Rome are two of Italy’s biggest and brightest stars. Each packs a real punch when it comes to food, culture and that elusive wow-factor, yet the two cities each have a very different feel. This handy guide will help you weigh up which to visit – or convince you to see both.

What’s the difference between Florence and Rome?

Florence is the heart of the Renaissance, with a strong arty vibe that still exists today. The city has a slow-paced, relaxed ambience and you’ll spend your time meandering through charming cobbled streets, dining in romantic restaurants and browsing quirky antique shops.

Rome is grand and sprawling, built on layer upon layer of history. Bustling and energetic, it’s packed full of ancient ruins, modern architectural gems, world-class museums and spectacular fountains on almost every corner. Florence is the place to come for a chilled-out journey through art history, while Rome serves up a fast-paced adventure through architecture.  

Which city is better for first-time visitors?

Both Florence and Rome make a great introduction to Italy for first-time visitors – each one is steeped in history offset by modern influences. If you have time to cover a lot of ground, Rome has a buzzier feel and more headline attractions. However, Florence has plenty of its own showstopping sights and is totally walkable and easier to get your bearings in. The good news? Set just 90 minutes apart by train, you can easily combine both in a single trip.

What are the top things to do in each?

Rome

Historical architecture and ancient ruins form the backbone of Rome, with buildings that have been preserved for millennia. You can’t visit the Italian capital without taking in the Colosseum – an awe-inspiring symbol of the Roman Empire – and the Roman Forum. The Vatican Museums are packed with famous paintings and sculptures, as well as housing the iconic frescoes of the Sistine Chapel created by Michelangelo in 1512. 

After all that culture, it’s time to chill out with aperitivo hour in Trastevere – people-watch from a pavement table and spot the myriad street performers. For sunset city views, head up Giancolo Hill or the Spanish Steps, or let one of our travel experts organise a ‘Rome at Sunset’ walking tour to discover the city’s best spots.

Florence

As the beating heart of the Renaissance, no trip to Florence is complete without taking in some of the world’s most famous artistic sights. Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze is a must-visit, while the Uffizi Gallery is home to classics such as Caravaggio’s Medusa and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. For a more low-key artistic exploration, head to Oltrarno for artisanal boutiques, hip hangouts and panoramic views across the city.

Hit up San Miniato at the right time and get those same spectacular views along with the fiery colours of the sunset. Take a walking tour and discover the twin Florentine crafts of leather and perfume, or delve into the 15th-century lives of the infamous Medici family with a stroll around some of the most beautiful streets in the city.

Which one’s better for food and drink?

There’s no such thing as a part of Italy that doesn’t serve up excellent food and drink, yet each region has its own can’t-miss specialties. Florence is the place to go for bold Tuscan red wines, accompanied by velvety truffle pasta or bistecca alla fiorentina – melt-in-the-mouth steak, served simply and sized for sharing. Rome is packed with vibrant trattorias serving up great pasta, from carbonara to cacio e pepe, and rich saltimbocca.

How touristy does each one feel?

Both Florence and Rome can get busy, especially at the height of summer. Rome is generally more crowded and chaotic at all times of year, though if you head out early you can take in the sights without the hordes of tourists. In Florence, while the key spots may feel packed, you can avoid the jam by simply stepping back a few streets for a quieter moment.

Which is easier to get around?

Neither city is difficult to navigate, with plenty of signposts to all the major sights and taxis and public transport easily accessible. Florence is definitely more walkable and compact, while the top spots in Rome are fairly spaced out, so you may need to plan your journeys ahead of time to take everything in.

When to go

For warm weather with smaller crowds, spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Springtime in Florence is particularly lovely, with flowers in bloom across the city. Summer is stunning, but you may find yourself battling through tour groups at every attraction. June has a vibrant energy in both cities without being overwhelming, while late summer evenings in Rome are ideal for dining outside or exploring after the heat eases off. As a traditionally catholic city, Easter is a huge occasion in the Italian capital and, if you can cope with the crowds, the celebrations are worth seeing.

Can I visit both in one trip?

Yes – Florence and Rome are only around 90 minutes apart by train, so you can book a twin-centre trip, or make one your base and take a day trip to the other. Or why not add some coastal charm with a visit to the Amalfi Coast, or include a magical city weekend in Venice?

Where to stay

Rome

Leon’s Palace - This boutique hotel has a contemporary vibe tempered by its 18th-century palazzo setting. Centrally located for both sightseeing and shopping, you’ll find Instagrammable design, a wellness area and a glamorous café.

FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino - Just steps from the Colosseum and the lively Monti bar and restaurant scene, this luxurious hotel offers up stunning city views in a prime location.

Florence

Gallery Hotel Art - Cosy, chic and intimate, this boutique gem is ideally situated for the Uffizi and many other tourist hotpots, while remaining an urban oasis.

FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli - Dive into the heart of the Florentine action with a room at this comfortable and stylish city hotspot, located steps from the Duomo and the shopper’s paradise of the Via dei Calzaiuoli.

See more

Choosing between Florence and Rome may seem impossible – so why not book a twin-centre break that takes in both iconic cities? Or combine a cultural tour of Rome with the coastal delights of Sicily or Sorrento. From Florence, it’s easy to venture out into the beauty of rural Tuscany or explore the Tuscan Riviera. Meanwhile, the Venice-Florence-Rome rail route means you can experience three of Italy’s shiniest gems in a single trip.

This article was created on 7th August 2025. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.