Ancient wonders vs mystical waterways...
So, you’ve got a few days in Italy and you want to make them count. Two of the most iconic cities in the world – Rome and Venice – are calling, but which one do you go for? Both have serious wow-factor and are brilliant for a short break or as part of an Italian multi-centre adventure. Our handy guide will help you decide which city is best suited to you, or inspire you to do both.
What’s the difference between Rome and Venice?
Rome is big, bold and bursting with history. It’s a fast-paced capital where ancient ruins sit alongside modern life and there’s something to see on every corner. Venice is smaller and slower in pace, with its famous canals, gothic facades and dreamlike atmosphere. In Rome, you explore on foot and by metro. In Venice, you float through the city by boat or walk down narrow lanes and across arched bridges.
Which city is better for first time visitors?
Venice is more compact and easier to get to grips with. The city is walkable and car-free, and you can quickly find your rhythm just by wandering around. For couples or those after a peaceful getaway, it’s an ideal choice for a first trip.
Rome is larger and more intense. The city rewards curious explorers who enjoy full-on sightseeing days and want to tick off world famous landmarks. It’s more of a sensory overload, but incredibly rewarding if you love culture, food and history.
What are the top things to do in each?
Gondola rides and Grand Canal views are just the beginning – there’s so much more to see and do in Venice than the snapshots you’ve seen on postcards. Visit St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and cross the Rialto Bridge. Spend an afternoon wandering through quaint alleyways, stopping for spritz and cicchetti in local bars. The islands of Murano and Burano make great half-day trips, where you can pick up locally made glass and lace, and in summer, the Lido offers space to stretch out by the water or pedal through quiet corners on a rental bike.
Rome is packed with history, from the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish, climb the Spanish Steps and sip an aperitivo in the Trastevere district. You’ll find ancient ruins, Renaissance art and lively neighbourhoods to explore – and if you’re looking to dive a little deeper, our Italy experts know all the best personalised tours and experiences.
Which city is better for food and drink?
Few places can rival Italy’s food scene and these two cities are right up there when it comes to must-try local dishes. Venice is famous for its seafood and cicchetti, small plates served in wine bars. Think marinated anchovies, crostini and deep-fried bites, washed down with a glass of Prosecco or a refreshing spritz. It’s a casual, social way to eat and perfect for snacking between sightseeing.
Rome is a pasta paradise. Expect classics like carbonara, cacio e pepe and amatriciana, all served with robust local wines. Meals here feel rich, hearty and deeply rooted in tradition. Both cities are packed full of lively cafés, pastry shops and terraces that are brilliant for people-watching.
How touristy does each one feel?
Venice is one of the most visited cities in Europe and can feel a bit like a stage set, especially in high season. Crowds gather around the main landmarks, but you can still find calm in places like Cannaregio or Giudecca.
Rome is larger and busier, but it feels more lived in. You’re likely to see locals doing their shopping near the Pantheon or grabbing a morning espresso in a backstreet bar. It’s touristy, yes, but also a real working city. Both have quiet corners if you know where to look and heading out early in the day helps avoid crowds.
Which is easier to get around?
Venice is the clear winner for ease. No cars, no metro, just boats and footpaths. The city’s compact size makes it a breeze to navigate and you can walk from one end to the other in under an hour.
Rome requires more planning. The sights are spread out and you’ll need to use public transport or walk longer distances to catch them all. But the metro and bus networks are reliable and strolling through Rome’s backstreets is a joy in itself.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn are ideal: cooler, less crowded and thrumming with local life. Summer brings long evenings and sunshine, but it can be hot and busy. Venice can feel humid and Rome often reaches searingly high temperatures by midday.
Winter is underrated. Venice has a haunting beauty when the fog settles over the lagoon and both cities feel quieter and more local. Rome is especially pleasant in early December and late January, with festive lights strung around the peaceful piazzas.
Can I visit both in one trip?
Yes. Rome and Venice are connected by a high-speed train that takes around three and a half hours. The route is scenic and comfortable, making it ideal for a double city escape. Many travellers choose to include Florence too, creating a Venice-Florence-Rome itinerary. For the ultimate upgrade to your train journey, arrive in Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, one of the world’s most luxurious train journeys.
Where to stay
Rome
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi: Set right on one of Rome’s most famous piazzas, this Neoclassical palace provides a luxurious city base in a central location.
Kolbe Hotel Rome: A 17th-century former Franciscan convent near the Roman Forum, this charming hotel is the ideal spot for immersing yourself in the city’s ancient history.
Venice
Sina Palazzo Sant’Angelo: Not many hotels have their own private pier on the Grand Canal, but this former nobleman’s palace does, along with 26 sensitively restored rooms and breath-taking water views.
Sina Centurion Palace: Located in the arty Dorsoduro district, this converted palazzo combines modern interiors with a prime waterside location.
Perfect pairings
Why choose just one city? Combine Venice and Rome for an unforgettable trip, or extend your adventure with other Italian highlights. Venice and Lake Garda or Como make a brilliant combo, blending winding canals with the open splendour of the lake’s glass-like waters. Venice and Milan also work well together, with Italy’s fashion capital just over two hours away by train.
If you’re headed to Rome, consider twinning your trip with a visit to Sorrento, where you can sip limoncello and feast on the freshest seafood. Or add on a Sicilian jaunt for lazy beach days and volcanic vistas.
Inspired?
The lure of both of these fabulous cities is strong, but if you still can’t decide between the two get in touch with our Italy experts, who’ll be all too happy to help plan your dream Italian adventure.
This article was created on 23rd July 2025. The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.