bardo1

I also submit there is no wrong answer here.

Both are perfectly suited for a 8-9 day trip (you COULD spend weeks in either one and still not see the essentials) and both are in the the running for the top two European destinations.

That said, I'll give my nod to Paris too. It's an A+++ to Rome's A++ in my humble opinion. But DO research yourself and decide for yourself.

BTW - loved vespacurve's comment: <i>"Sort of like asking: 'Planning to drink wine for the FIRST time. Which is better: French or Italian?' "</i>

dunia123

This is the trouble with forced choices - there are so many wonderful things about both cities. In some ways it is as kfusto above mentions - a personal connection that ends up being difficult to explain to someone else. My personal connection is Paris - also went there for the first time at 16, fell in love with it and have been returning ever since. It helps that I studied French and not Italian. Rome was interesting, but the connection wasn't the same. So who's to judge? So, of course, my answer is Paris, and for a first wine - Sancerre or Gigondas, but if someone told me it had to be Rome, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, I'd say when is my flight?

pizzocchieri

There are no wrong answers and only wrong answers. Both are true!

Neither city is better for a FIRST trip to Europe, unless it turns out you follow the wrong advice about which one you would like. Nobody knows which one you will prefer.

kfusto

<a personal connection that ends up being difficult to explain to someone else>

That is really very true. There are cities I have immediately connected with and those that I enjoy, but on a different level. Very good point.

kelbo

If you have 8-9 days why not split up your time? Easyjet flies between the two cities very economically.

pizzocchieri

I just took EasyJet and it is a nice airline, but you still have to go to the airport 2 hours in advance and then wait on line and go through all kinds of hassle after you land to get to the center of the city you want to visit. If I had 8-9 days in Europe, I wouldn't want to spend one whole day of it dealing with air travel.

Besides, in Italy, you don't have to go to another country to feel like you went to another country. You can take the train from Rome to Venice and is totally different, or Rome to le Cinque Terre is very different too.

foodor

why is Paris so popular?!?

I vote for Rome

mamcalice

The OP has 8-9 days including flights to and from Europe, therefore 6-7 days on the ground. This is an argument for one destination. Why is Paris so popular? Because it is fabulous. Rome is, too, but lots of posters here seem to prefer Paris as do I.

foodor

pizzochieri said it best Rome + Venice in 8-9 days.

pizzocchieri

It is remarks like these I don't understand:

"But Paris has everything - architecture, history, food, the Seine, museums, shopping and a wonderful ambience."

Right, the Seine only runs through Paris, but do people go to Europe and come back not knowing that almost every European city was built on a river, that all have "history", museums, shopping, food -- ???? Rome doesn't have those things? As for ambience, well, do you prefer the attitude in New York or San Francisco or Chicago or Dallas or where? Depends on who you are, and nobody here knows who the OP is.

I think there are some people who actually do gamble several thousand dollars on following advice like "Rome is nice, but Paris has history and food." I hope the OP, if they are that kind of person, doesn't end up in Paris thinking "Maybe we would have loved the warmth of Rome better..."

But I guess they've got plenty of money so they can rectify the mistake.

dunia123

pizzocchieri - you are correct re: not knowing the OP. Only two posts on Fodors total (this one and another from a few days earlier pondering the same 8-9 day trip, to visit Paris, the Loire Valley & Switzerland...). Not sure though why you make the statement they have plenty of money - sadly, we know little about anything, including budget.

Seems like there should be a first time template for asking for advice:
- budget - total, hotel, flight
- dining preferences
- likes: museums? beaches? walking? hiking? wine? fine dining? Etc.
- Paint a picture in 150 words or less what a perfect vacation would look like to you...

Much better advice could be given, as opposed to just what we all like (and apparently for many of us that means Paris...)

kelsey22

Lianev - Have a wonderful trip! Enjoy every minute of it and please post a trip report! Best wishes for a happy voyage whichever you choose.

pizzocchieri

duina,

I was just guessing. I couldn't figure out why somebody would ask other people they don't know to decide about such an expensive item as travel to a major European capital. But maybe they just don't know anything.

People here were only given two choices -- Rome or Paris . Maybe the answers would have changed if it was Paris or Venice. Paris or London for a FIRST time?

Maybe people find Rome too complicated, or they just get suckered into spending so much time at the Vatican and other churches they're not really interested in, or marching through ruins without explanation, they think Paris is more fun because to go without much of an agenda except to see the Eiffel tower.

dunia123

pizzocchieri - interesting thought re: Rome. Having been to France & Paris many times before making it to Italy & Rome, I have to say the magic of Rom was lost on me a little. Interesting city to be sure and the historical background was fascinating. All in all, it may just be because I went to Paris first as a 17 year old, and Rome first as a 41 year old!

Shanna

History = Rome. Paris = everything else. Not really. Rome is fun and vibrant and friendly and you feel really good about being in that city. Paris takes some time to wrap itself around you. There is a bit of a disconnect between you and the citizenry in Paris, although I've noticed more recently that people seem friendlier than they used to. It may be that I'm better at approaching them than I used to be. Both cities have a human scale - not the canyons of NYC. Paris is easier to get around and when I get there I just hit the streets and love the feeling that I get. On the other hand, when I get to Rome, I feel more relaxed. It's an inexplicable difference and may be a personal thing, but I'd say Paris is the place everyone absolutely must visit. It's magic.

nytraveler

How to answer without more info?

When are you going? How much do you like hot or cold weather?

What are your interests?

Do you speak and French or italian?

You really need to give us a clue to help - other wise you are just getting our opinions, which may be very different from yours.

kelsey22

I agree with the Shanna - Paris - "It's magic". This is only an opinion though (my opinion as well). I would love to visit either city again. I visited Paris in my twenties and both Rome and Paris in my forties. I found Paris as enchanting as when I was younger, but in a different way. I wonder what the final decision is....

justineparis

Paris, and I enjoy Rome and London too, but definately Paris.
Paris wins for food( sorry , I have been to Italy 3 times and visited Rome, Venice and Florence but have yet to have a wow meal.. ever. Pasta and pizza don't wow me and I hate how people swoon over stuff like "Caprese Salad"( its just tomotoes, olive oil, flavorless( too mild) mozzerealla and some basil, a 5 yr old child could make this!) To be fair I have had some dud meals in Paris too, my fault for not doing any research and sometimes getting so hungry we just stop anywhere to eat.. tourist traps ! I love the breads and cheeses of France over anything in Italy .

Paris has lots of history, character, and I like the pace of it. ITs also easy to stay central and walk to alot of sites, unlike |Rome I found.
I do love visiting the Vatican and St Peters, pretty impressive.

There are alot more easy daytrips from Paris then Rome in my opinion.

kfusto

<Pasta and pizza don't wow me>

If that is how you define Italian cuisine, it is no wonder you have not been wowed.

The cuisine of Italy is widely varied based on region. I have been wowed more times than I can count over the course of 35 years of visiting Italy.

One man's trash is another's treasure.

willit

It's all about opinion. Choose either, you will not be disappointed. Do one, save the other(s) for later - they are not going anywhere.

For me? Rome.

Paris is a wonderful city - quite stunning. It has a huge amount to recommend it, but for me, as a lover of history, it doesn't quite compare to Rome.
When Rome ruled the known world, Paris was a village (and London a swamp). On top of that, the Vatican, from which much of the Christian world has been run for well over a century.

I love walking in Paris, but in my opinion, you will find more in a short distance in Rome. Daytrips? Florence and Naples are less than two hours away.
Food - a matter of choice - I prefer the simplicity of Italian food to the sophistication of French.

Neither is better than the other - but one may suit your particular interests more.