nytraveler: My perspective is mid 90-s through 2002, when the dollar was reasonably strong. During those visits, for example, lodging was reasonable compared to the US, where I have difficulty finding ok, but not fancy, lodging in a convenient downtown location for less than $100/night (but such is (was) not uncommon in Paris). I'm sure things have changed before and since as the dollar fluctuates.

There's no argument that they are both fabulous cities, but for a first trip, I'd say go to Paris. It's far more manageable - smaller, better public transportation, and not as hectic and overwhelming as Rome.

Even with the weak dollar, I don't think Paris is any more expensive than New York.

The majority of replies are saying Rome, yet more people say they have been to Paris more times than they have to Rome. Do you wonder why? There is just something about Paris. I think for a first time visit it's more relaxed, easier to get around. The metro will take you everywhere and is very easy to use - which is not the case in Rome. I also think Paris is less expensive, not cheap, but I found the equivalent type of hotel and restaurant were less expensive in Paris than in Rome. So I'd probably pick Paris despite the weather factor. However, that would be almost enough to sway me towards Rome in March. I visited Rome in the summer and will definitly go back in another season. I've had good and bad weather in Paris in March (and also good and bad in July for that matter).

It really is pretty much a toss up.

Nobody has addressed this (maybe I missed it) but Paris tends to be less expensive for a North Amaerican visitor, IMHO. Both are the perfect choice for a first time visitor.

Isabel:

Almost everytime I've been to Europe I've been in Paris. The main reason is that it is one of the key entry points to Continental Europe. Rome can hardly be defined as an entry point, being where it is... unless you are going someplace in Italy.

I just wrote (and erased) two paragraphs trying to answer bdbrooks' question... really hard to give a good answer... so I'll go back to my original suggestion: Flip a coin! You can't go wrong with either.

Well, we found Paris hotels to be very expensive (can't compare personally to New York since we live there) but on our last trip we couldn't find anything we wanted for less than about $250. Breakfast is outrageous (way more than New York hotels) and we found dining expensive (but we're from an area with tons of very reasonable good restaurants).

We found Rome to be less expensive for good meals (average dinners - not splurges) and no more expensive for hotels.

I've been to Rome four times and Paris three, and I definitely prefer Rome.

For museums, I think the Vatican equals the Louvre. This is the category where I think there is the least to choose between them.

For food, I found Rome much, much better than Paris. Using the 'go slightly out of the main streets and find somewhere full of locals' method I have had many amazing meals in Italy, often for less than 15 euros including wine (not a typo!). I've yet to have a truly great meal in France and have certainly never had a decent one in Paris for less that 30 euros.

For sights other than art museums, Rome wins hands down. The Coliseum, the Pantheon and the Forum are all incredible.

And finally, the shopping in Italy is great!

Do let us know what you decide...

Food better in Rome than Paris? That's definitely open to debate.

Well, I have to say that you all have convinced me on the many attributes of both Rome and Paris and that I feel stronger than ever that I have to do both soon, particulary after reading Papagena's and a few other responses on the reasons to visit Rome.

Having said that my travel companion and I have chosen Paris this time for several reasons. First I do have limited time so my time in Italy would be compromised a bit since I want to see Tuscany/Umbria and Pompeii/Amalfi Coast and would be forced to choose one or the other on this trip (something I think that Mamc pointed out).

Five or 6 days in Paris and a day trip or so I think makes sense for this trip and it would allow me time to hit some of the major sites I want to see in Paris and get a flavor of the city (although I'm sure it will still seem like not enough).

Second, Paris does seem to be a bit easier to navigate based on feedback. I've also had already purchased some French guidebooks and language CDs when I thought I was going a year ago. Also, quite a few of you said it was a toss up and "if weather were a factor" than go with Rome. In looking at the temps in both lately, they aren't that far apart and I hate to let something so unpredictable as weather be the deciding factor. I don't mind a bit of a chill....I just hope it doesn't rain much of the time we're there, but this is something you just can't predict. We'll hope for the best. I've always wanted to see Paris at night and am very excited to have the opportunity to do so.

As soon as we return, I know I'll be thinking of planning my next trip to Italy, perhaps next fall. Thank you for all of your help! Now, if we can decide on where to stay.....perhaps the Marais or Rue Cler district. I hear the 6th is convenient. Will continue to read the threads on this topic as well.

Hi bd,

For your stay in Paris, you might want to consider the Hotel Bonaparte in the 6th.

I can't let Ira's comment that's as good as anything ever uttered by Yogi Berra pass without highlighting it for Fodor's posterity:
"...if you die before you get there [Paris] you will be disappointed."
Right on, Ira!
And to bdbrooks: May your you only be faced with a dilemmas like this in your lifetime!

Howard,

I agree with you and Ira...I would be disappointed if I die before I see Paris and that comment made a lot of sense to me personally! Thanks for the hotel suggestion, Ira. It sounds like a very good option.

Oh, bdbrooks, my comment about Ira's comment was made in jest! Think again about his words and what he said!

I personally would be disappointed to die before hearing the next clever post ira makes on this board.

Do not know when you are planning to be in Rome, but I am trying to arrange for a private tour guide to take myself and my 14 year old daughter through some of the more well-known sites (for history, depth and to avoid lines). We are planning to do this Monday 3/15. The privage guides are costly and often take 3-4 persons at the same cost. Would love to find someone to join with us. If interested, send me e-mail [email protected]. Thanks!