David

Which city would you think would we enjoy more. We plan on staying a total of five days. This is our first vacation in seven years, time to enjoy the fruits of our labor! <BR>

Lori

Tough call!!! I went to Paris for the first time last October and Rome for the first time in March of this year. While Rome was fascinating and the food was to die for, I enjoyed Paris more. The city itself is a museum, and I loved the museums. Sorry I can't be of more help, but they are both wonderful cities and whichever you decide you will enjoy!!

dimi

David - Like Lori I too have been to both places but disagree with Lori as far as Paris over Rome. In my opinion (nothing against Lori at all) I found Rome to be twenty thousand museums in itself. Not to mention the outskirts. Go to Italy!

Jen Z

Rome, Rome, Rome... There is so much to see in Rome, and so much self-indulgence to be experienced, which is what you probably would like out of your vacation (first one in a long time and all). You could keep yourself busy for months in Rome, seeing the sights, or just taking it all in. I found Paris dirty, expensive, unfriendly and completely over-rated. One day I will give it another chance, but not any time soon. I don't understand the old thing about Paris being the most romantic city in the world...I'd choose Rome over Paris for romance any day (try red wine over yummy pasta in a candlelit piazza, followed by an illuminated walk through the ancient Roman ruins with gelato in hand...). Well, I don't know if you're looking for romance.... Anyway....there are also great day trips you can take from Rome, and you would probably encounter better weather in Italy than northern France at that time of year. Of course, everyone has to see Paris at some point in time or another, but if I were told I could go see either Rome or Paris, just one, and then neither of them for the rest of my life, Rome it would be (and I've already been to Rome twice, and Paris only once). Good luck making your decision (I foresee some disagreement to come in this post...)!

deepa

I agree with the above postings. I would prefer Rome to Paris anytime. Paris is huge and quite disjointed. You need to take taxis or train to go from one place to the other, whereas in Rome if you are, say in Termini area, you could walk to the Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Novona and have a great time walking. Spend a day in the Vatican and go very early to spend time in the sistine chapel. For the amount of time you have, Rome is perfect. Food is great too.

David

Thanks for the terrific info. We are leaning towards Rome. If there are any suggestions on where to stay while in Rome, that would really help. My wife and I would like a room with a bath. We would like to spend around $150-$200. <BR>

Patricia

My husband and I really enjoyed both cities. Paris was definitely more expensive, and it seemed more regimented in what you do and when you do it -- very dependent upon museums. But there is an elegance to the city that you can pick up and really enjoy unlike any other place, and the open-air markets and fresh flower stands are quite charming and fun. <BR> <BR>Rome seemed more like a visit to history. The ruins were interesting to visit, but we found more happiness in the bottoms of our cappucinos and in just strolling in the older parts of the city. The Vatican was striking - I would not miss it. <BR> <BR>Both cities boast different qualities that make them very attractive places to visit. They are both very romantic and food is incredible. The people of Paris were incredibly friendly, belying their reputation. And the people of Rome were lovely, too. <BR> <BR>If you go to Paris, I suggest the Hotel Lenox Montparnasse. It was a great little hotel in the heart of the arts district. <BR> <BR>If you choose Rome, I highly recommend the Hotel Diplomatic, Via Vittorio Colonna 28, tel: 011-39-6-683-3775. It was within walking distance to the Vatican and just across the river from the older squares where the Pantheon seems to just appear when you turn a corner. The people there were so friendly and the morning cappucino (free continental breakfast) and croissant were unbeatable! <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip!

francesca

We live in Paris, and visited Rome for the first time this year on our honeymoon and loved it. Neither city is relaxing: they are both noisy, crowded and intense. Both are romantic. Paris seems bigger, and it is unfortunately more expensive. Food is great in both cities. History is rampant in both cities, though Rome is more ancient, and the accent is more on ancient history. I find Paris more romantic over all, and more varied. You can absolutely not go wrong either way--both are unmissable. In Rome, we stayed in the Hotel Margutta between the Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Popolo and liked it very much. Clean, reasonable and friendly. Have a great trip, wherever you wind up. <BR>

Monica

I agree that Rome is a greater outdoor museum than Paris (but I do love Paris). We were in Paris in October and it was cold and rainy for most of our stay. Rome should have nicer, warmer weather at that time of year (but cool in the evenings).

steve

While Paris is probably my favorite city in the world, I would reccomend you visit Rome first. From an historical and artistic standard it has such an influence over the rest of the world that it is good to see Rome and then see other cities and compare. Both cities are expensive, but I think Rome is a bit more reasonably priced than Paris. There are lots of neat restaurants in the Piazza Navona area- get off the beaten path a bit and explore. Beware of the gypsy pickpockets around the major tourist areas--I thought people were exagerating until I saw a man in front of me get his wallet lifted. Otherwise Rome is a wonderful treat. Whichever city you choose you can't go wrong.