Paris or Rome?
 

Can anyone help with advice on whether to take a 4 day trip to Paris or Rome?
I have never been to Europe and really want to make the most of my 4 days.

Thanks

That's a tough decision. Will you only be going for 4 days or is the trip Paris or Rome combined with other locations.

If it's 4 days only in either city I'd choose Paris simply because I like it better than Rome (maybe because it's more familiar).

What's is your main objective in going to Europe. Do you have any particular artists, museums, etc you'd like to experience that will help guide you. Or do you simply want to start someplace to experience Europe. If so, my answer is still Paris.

I'd go to Paris. It is more manageable for the first time tourist. Rome can be a bit of a challenge.

Personnally, I would say Paris. In my opinion, Paris is less intense than Rome. I like Rome but it is a huge, bustling, kinetic city-think NYC on steriods. Paris is more laid back, more accessible by metro (Rome's subway system is limited and busses can be intimidating for a first time traveller). Plus, for such a short trip, Paris is slightly closer to the US than Rome and with that little time,any extra time helps! That being said, you can't go wrong with either city.

I agree the distance is a small factor -- I think you can get a direct flight to Paris from more US cities than Rome, so.... that would be one good reason to go to Paris.

I also agree that Paris is more managable for 4 days. Rome is more spread out and, as mentioned, more "intense."

You would have four, full, wonderful days either place, so you can't go wrong!!

Good luck (let us know what you decide!).

I am going to respectfully suggest Rome. I love Paris, but I often tell people that if they've never been to Europe before to start with Italy. The people are more friendly and helpful and the city is so romantic. Also, I don't know when you're planning to go but winter in Paris is kind of dreary, Rome's weather is usually at maximum chilly but the sun usually shines. I speak both languages and love both places so it's tough to choose, but I'd say Rome! Have fun wherever!

they are both great. it is too bad you have only 4 days. it takes time to slow down and get into the swing of the cafe life. i would vote for paris although it is close.

Paris, easier, closer, better, more compact, better transportation. + it's my favorite..

I would agree with Paris. It is easier to navigate, more people speak english (which could be important for a first time European traveler) and contrary to popular belief more friendly! I was recently in Rome and could not believe how rude people were, we even got yelled at in the tourist office for leaving the door ajar! Everywhere we went there was someone being rude or trying to pick our pocket! I am no longer going to tell people I am Italian-American! Even shop keepers (as they are taking your money) were rude. The sights are awesome, just too bad they're in Italy. Go to Paris, it is much more civilised as well as much more beautiful!

To those of you who may think I am some sort of anti-european I must tell you that I currently live in Europe. I have only had bad experiences in Rome and southern Italy. The rest of my experiences have been wonderful!

Enjoy your trip!

I have read enough trip reports here to know that people respond really differently to these two places. Some people love Paris, some say that's the only place in Europe to which they will not return. Some find Rome comfortable and friendly, some find it large and intimidating.

I would suggest browsing through the trip reports here and seeing what people liked and didn't like about both cities. Several great posts on the best things to do, see, buy, eat in Paris and in Rome. After reading the good, the bad and the ugly, see if one of these places excites you more than the other.

That said, there is validity to the suggestion that you can get to Paris more quickly and probably more inexpensively than to Rome and that for a short trip that is an important consideration.

As for myself, I love going to Paris and had to tear myself away to go to Rome last year. This year I am going back to Rome.

I love both Paris and Rome, for different reasons. However, if I had only four days, I would choose the city I could get to the easiest, and the airfare that was easiest on my wallet, as well.

Paris for your first trip. Paris will always be the city to which you compare other cities -- and it makes sense to visit it first.

I love both cities, but I would have to go with the consensus - choose Paris. It's easier to navigate for a first time to Europe trip. Paris is beautiful, majestic, and romantic. Rome is earthy, hectic, and exciting. Paris for the most part is well layed out and easy to navigate. In Rome you can get totally lost walking just a few blocks. However, when it comes to food, I prefer Rome .

Paris - smaller and more compact, easier to get around in, less chaotic, more dependable.

Rome. I wouldn't go to Paris (or anywhere in France) if someone was paying for the trip.

I adore both cities, but I prefer Rome.When you are in Rome you feel alive, the Romans have a certain joie de vivre about life in general, they can be louds at times is true, but they enjoy each day and life to the maximum.
The city itself is a museum of arts, even the smallest churches are a jewels, with painting from famous artists, murals, statues etc..,
There are more than 925 churches in Rome , and hundreds of fountains. We must not forget the ancients famous sites, the Colosseum, the Forum.. Beside if you like to eat excellent food, Rome is the place to be..
Have a great time in Europe!!

Rome without a hesitation. Rome has a unique atmosphere. About 30 centuries of civilisation to encounter are part of everyday life. This permanent presence of history is what will make the most of your trip.

Rome is mainly 'piazzas', of all different kinds and sizes, as a result of specific moments of its history.
There are also lots of open spaces, such as the forum, with its archeological gardens where you are completely cut off of today's life.
It is also amazingly calm in quite some central parts of Rome, which is not so much the case in Paris.

Paris is mainly 'boulevards' and 'avenues', with its rather agressive car traffic. Their historic richness is mainly exposed in museums.

In this way, 'manageable' for Paris might mean 'presented on a tray, in a museum'. Rome is something to wander about, to discover for yourself.

So, Rome, without a single doubt.

Forget both!!!! Fly to Barcelona and have a blast. It's warm, friendly, on the water and alive. The food is great and cheap too.

Hi md,

I always recommend Paris for a first time visitor to Europe.

Rome hands down. In 4 days you can accomplish quite a bit. Spend 1 day touring St. Peter's Basilica (including the catacombs downstairs) and the Vatican Museum. Spend another day walking from the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon. Next you could tour the Colloseum and the Forum (watch out for the pickpockets). The 4th day I would just walk around among the ancient structures (temples, churches). You will be quite pleased with the myriad of choices for good meals. IMHO a trip to Rome is about history and religion. I just didn't get the same satisfaction touring Paris.