florence or rome?
 

my husband and i are planning a trip to italy in april of 2006 and were wondering if one does not have the time to see both places , as we are planning to see other places as well, which one would be the best choice? i have never been to either and my husband and i have read about both and they both seem wonderful. any help /advice would be great.

Rome. But the two cities are only 1.5 hours apart by train.

Gotta agree. There's so much to see in Rome. And just to experience dwelling in a city among all those Roman ruins is amazing.

Hi al,

How long will you have in Italy?

My preference is Florence.

((I))

Really decide what you enjoy the most: major city with incredible art and plethora of churches or smaller, more "walkable" city with incredible art and less than a plethora but enough churches. Both noisy (Rome more-Flo had pedestrian historical section) and busy. IMHO, Rome would be the choice because of St. Peters, Roman ruins, Piazza Navona and Bernini. More to see outside in Rome?

You say that you are planning on seeing other places as well. I would make my decision based on this. If, for example, you also want to go to Venice and Siena, then choose Florence, as it will make for a tighter itinerary.

I'm with Ira, Florence. I've been twice and am returning in November. Florence haunts my dreams!

Another vote for Rome, as much for the atmosphere of the city as for its historic and artistic attractions.

Rome is vibrant and bustling (and takes a wee bit of getting used to; I would suggest spending at least four days), while Florence is a rather placid provincial city, which tends to seem even more crowded than Rome (the streets are narrower) and hotter (the stone palazzi absorb the heat all day and they never really cool down even during the evening).

Of course, if you're absolutely mad about Renaissance art and architecture, Florence is the place to go.

It depends (of course). How long do you have?

If 1-3 days, then Florence (a much smaller city) makes the most sense.

If you have 4-8+ days for one city, then Rome is the obvious choice.


BTW, Central Rome has <i>some</i> busy areas and some areas that are completely pedestrianized and quite tranquil.

Roma - most definitely! The most ancient of cities with a wonderful history....as they say, all roads lead to Rome.

hi guys, we have two weeks and are planning to see the chianti region, sienna , and probably lucca. we were thinking of spending 3 days in each area. so we only have 3 days for one of the cities. sounds like florence would be more time friendly.

Based on your time restraints and the other areas you are going to, I would say Florence for sure. It feels like a better fit for this trip. Save Rome for another time.

Both cities are great and each has its own character, and it would be nice if you can visit both cities. However, I suggest Rome if you can visit only one city.

Since you are going to Chianti, Siena and Lucca, I would definately suggest Florence. Save Rome for another trip when you can add the Amalfi Coast on!

But, I don't see why you need 3 days in Siena and Lucca, they're great day trips when staying in Florence...you might just have time for Rome too...

I agree with cjacob. While Lucca and Siena are both great, I personally think that three nights in each is a little excessive.

My vote would be for Rome. I absolutely love Rome and can't get enough of it. However, given your itinerary Florence may be a better fit. I think it really depends on what your tastes are.

Tracy

This may start to sound like one of the introductions to a Fodors book on Rome but......If you had 10 days in Rome would you try to do a day trip to Florence? I just booked my tickets, hurray, first time to Italy and thought we should just do Rome in November for ten days. Deborah

Can't possibly choose for you without knowing anything about you, your preferences and quirks and your other plans. I prefer Florence myself.

I love Rome and agree that it needs a fair amount of time.
Since you said you are staying in each areas, it's hard to tell if you are staying in Lucca and Siena for 3 days (nights?-makes a difference).
I'd choose Florence over Siena and think a day and a half works well in Lucca (e.g. 2 nights), unless you plan a day trip from there (Barga,Pisa, cinqua terra,etc.).
DeborahAnn
You may want to start a new thread for your question. On the surface, if I were to do a day trip (assuming by train)from Rome my preferences (in order) are:
Pompeii (but a long day)
Orvieto
Florence
Again,this depends on your likes and if you have ever been to any of them.

Having been to neither, for myself I would choose Florence. Because I often travel solo, and it is my impression Florence is smaller therefore less intimidating than Rome. Since I am more of a &quot;soak up the atmosphere&quot; instead of &quot;see the historical sites&quot; kind of person, Florence would be a better fit for me.

This may or may not be similar to you and your husband, for sure geographically Florence fits better with your other destinations.

thanks,jabez, you are right about starting a new post, first I will do a search (Just in case Ira is around ;;)) I was mulling over the possibilities when I saw this post and Florence and Rome both appeal to me. Deborah

Hi al,

&gt;...we have two weeks and are planning to see the chianti region, sienna , and probably lucca. we were thinking of spending 3 days in each area. so we only have 3 days for one of the cities&lt;

3 days in Lucca is, I think, one too many unless you are planning on driving to another town or towns.

Same for Siena.

Is there a reason you have left out Venice?

((I))

Suze: I very honestly think that there is more atmosphere to soak up in Rome than in Florence: there are more piazzas with more cafes, and there is more going on in them.

Even Venice has more and better opportunities for &quot;dolce far niente&quot; than Florence.

DeborahAnn: What happened to the Vatican and ancient Rome? You aren't going to abandon them for Florence, I hope! In a carefully planned one-day trip to Florence -- 1.5 hours away -- you can see quite a bit.

Alanna40: Florence definitely fits better geographically than Rome. But I'd suggest a week somewhere in the Chianti area -- or better yet, the area south of Siena -- with day trips to Siena, Tuscan hill towns, and a few wineries, and a week in Florence with a day trip to Lucca. Or go for Venice as Ira suggests: 4 days Venice, 5 days Florence inluding a day trip to Lucca, and 6 days in southern Tuscany with day trips to Siena, etc.

The possible variations are endless!

Eloise, I'm sticking with Rome, just need to offer my husband some other daytripping possibilities, large cities aren't his scene but he's really interested in roman architecture. He's especially enjoyed the Pont de Gard, Arles, Orange Avignon etc. This trip's for him. France is my travel passion, I am curious to see if Rome will call me back ;;) Deborah

me again. thanks for the advice. i guess i wasnt very clear, we are planning to see alot of the tuscanny region, staying in different areas and doing day trips. not necessarily staying for three days to see each spot. we love sight seeing, arts, history, wine haha. i am sure though you can get wine anywhere. the country is so beautiful as are the people, according to my husband. we just cant decide on florence or rome, i guess convience as in sir travel and car travel will come into play.

Alanna,
If you're already seeing Sienna, which I think is a cuter mini-version of Florence, then Rome would give you more variety. And it really isn't that long a drive, proportionate to 3 days in Rome.

I loved Rome.

I fell deeply in love with Florence.

Two totally different things.

Alanna, the above posters have given you great info on which to base your decision. Keep us posted, ok?!?

Happy journey, Tiff

p.s. Remember to stop and take it all in. :S-

ROME, ROME, ROME! There are only 3 cities in the world which I adore: Rome, Venice, and San Francisco.

This is a very personal reaction, but I disliked Florence last June and couldn't wait to leave...very crowded, trafficky, smoggy, touristy... (However we all did walk adoringly around Michelangelo's famous David at the Accademia museum in florence.) We were in florence during the most crowded days of the year, and since it's compact city, it doesn't handle crowds well, easily gets feeling claustrophobic.

In contrast, we loved rome! Rome is bigger, more sprawling, and so it doesn't feel so crowded. Stay near the pantheon, great location.

We saw Rome, Florence, Amalfi coast, Venice, and Siena, and by a unanimous family vote, we loved Rome the most.

Rome needs careful planning, and leave the last day open for spontaneous fun! Spend at least 4 nights minimum in Rome. If you want to hear any more gushing about Rome, e-mail me at [email protected] and put Rome in the subject line...that's how I preview mail before deciding to open it.

Buon viaggio!

Feels like having to say which of your children you love most....

Question: I am staying in Venice for 4 days and would like to take a day trip to florance. What's the best way to go transporation wise? Does anybody have the right info- how long it takes what lines or numbers to go on?
Thanks, I cannot get a stright answer on this question.

I studied in Florence for a college semester(okay, a 1000 years ago....) and have been back several times with the family on vacation. Rome-I travel there every week for work. Hands down-Rome! The place is amazing and there is really something for everyone there.I NEVER run out of things to do or see in Rome.Things like just sitting at a cafe outside or going to the grocery store are magical!!! I would be one to tell you to use Florence as your base to see that area for daytrips and then include Rome for several days. Its seduction will get you too!

mshinos: Venice to Florence is about 2h46m by Eurostar. Go to trenitalia.com, select English, and you'll be able to find prices and schedules.

Returned from tour of Italy in June, 3 days in Rome and 3 in Florence are more than enough to see most major sites. Forget driving in Rome. Florence is the nicer of the two--cleaner, shopping for leather and gold plus museums and David. Best food is in the South.