What to visit as a couple: Rome or Florence? These two Italian cities are ideal for a couples’ trip. So, which city to choose? Here is a comparison between Rome and Florence regarding the visits to be made on-site, the weather and the climate, and the budget. Every key difference to help you choose between Rome and Florence.
Rome or Florence as a couple: which city is more romantic?
Rome is a much bigger city than Florence. The population of Rome is 2.8 million people (source: Eurostat), while Florence has only 280,000 inhabitants. That’s a big difference! Moreover, Rome is the capital of Italy. Therefore it is also an important political and administrative center.
Bigger and less romantic? Rome is a romantic city. Nevertheless, it is necessary to think outside the box to find quieter and more romantic corners and a cozy and intimate environment. In Florence, it is easier because the city is smaller. However, the influx of tourists must also be considered (see below). Sometimes even a city like Florence can become the complete opposite of romantic. It all depends on when you want to go as a couple.
Rome or Florence as a couple: which must-see places to visit?
What are you looking for for your romantic trip? Rome and Florence each have exceptional historical and cultural heritage. Rome is known more for the Roman Empire, while Florence symbolizes the Renaissance.
What to see? Rome hosts the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, and even Saint Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican. Florence hosts the Cathedral of Florence, the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Museum, and the Accademia Gallery.
How long does it take to visit Rome or Florence as a couple?
Rome has more places to visit, as the city is more extensive. A 2 or 3-day weekend will not be enough to visit every Rome landmark (here is an example of an itinerary: Romantic getaway in Rome). You cannot see everything in a single trip.
In Florence, the places to visit are closer to each other than in Rome. Florence can be visited in 2 or 3 days. To find out more, read our article: What to do as a couple in Florence.
Rome or Florence as a couple: weather, tourist influx, and budget
To decide whether to visit Rome or Florence as a couple, discover the best times of the year to discover each of these cities.
When to visit Rome as a couple? It can get scorching in Rome in summer: temperatures easily exceed 32 degrees (90°F). Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Rome as a couple. However, beware of the Easter holidays in April. Accommodation prices rise sharply. The same happens for All Saints’ Day in November, the rainiest month of the year.
When to visit Florence as a couple? The least touristy months, but also rather pleasant from the point of view of temperatures, are the following months: September, October, March, April, or even May. Summer can be scorching and sometimes sultry, like in Rome. Winter is less enjoyable for the weather but an excellent visit season.
Rome vs. Florence for a couples’ trip? For both cities, the best months to travel are September, October, March, and May, but also December, January, and February. Moreover, in Rome, more visits are made outside than in Florence. Good weather is more critical for visiting Rome than Florence.
And why not both?
If you have a week of vacation ahead of you, do not hesitate between Rome vs. Florence: visit both! It is possible to see these two magnificent cities in a week. An unforgettable trip awaits you!
Go from Rome to Florence, or vice versa. The Frecciarossa high-speed train makes a direct connection between Rome and Florence. The journey is short and only lasts 1h40. So you can reach Florence from Rome quite easily.
Where to go first, Rome or Florence? From Europe, there are low-cost planes for Rome and Florence. You can even take a single ticket for Rome and a return one from Florence. From outer Europe, there are usually much more flights to Rome. So you can opt for a round-trip to Rome, then take a round-trip by train to Florence. Round-trip tickets are way cheaper than a single ticket.
Rome vs. Florence in summary
Rome vs. Florence for a couples’ trip? For a romantic weekend, the two cities are excellent. However, those who prefer smaller towns will certainly appreciate Florence more than Rome. Renaissance lovers will love Florence too. On the other hand, if you are more interested in the Roman Empire, you must go to Rome. A week-long trip with both cities is the best solution if you have a week’s vacation. Whatever your choice, a great couples’ trip awaits you!
There are more things to do in Rome than in Florence. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter city, you will desire to stay longer in Florence. While in Florence, you can also take a day tour of Tuscany’s countryside.
