Venice or Florence, Italy?

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conley39

I live about equidistant from both Venice and Florence and spend equal amounts of time in both. May is a good time to be in either city. This depends to some extent on what your interests are - both could be considered "must see".

You can pretty well cover Venice in a couple of days including Murano and Burano - much of the fun of Venice is wandering among the bridges and canals. The Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Correr Museum, and the Accademia Gallery. The Biennale will be running next year in Venice. I always make several trips to see the various art installations in the years when the Biennale is going on. If you're interested in a gondola ride through the canals, Venice is the place to be.

There may be more to see and do in Florence with the Uffizi, Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens, the Orsanmichele, the Bargello, Santa Croce and several other interesting sights. May is a good time to walk up through the rose garden to Piazza Michelangelo for the views. If you're there continue up the hill for a few blocks to San Miniato al Monte. The church has some good frescos. Florence is also a bit less expensive both with respect to travel costs and expenses for staying there.

There are good day trips available from either. For example, from Florence you could get to Sienna, Arezzo, or Pisa & Lucca in an hour or so or use it as a base to see San Gimignano. From Venice, it's an easy train trip to Padova, Verona, or Ferrara.

If you're flying in and out of Rome, Florence would be more convenient. The travel time is shorter.

romeoitaly

You have received good answers.

I have recently had some friends staying over by me in Rome who were in the same dilemma. They eventually settled for Florence.

In my humble opinion (and personal experience) Venice has not been living up to the reputation that is being cultivated overseas.
I receive far better reports about Florence - friendlier people, more hospitable atmosphere. I guess Florence is also easier to get around and there is a lot within a 70km radius. (Siena is definitely worthwhile.)

If it was up to me I would settle for Florence, (if you don't mind all the friends back home asking you why you never went to Venice!) - nothing wrong with a "Bistecca alla Fiorentina" and a nice red wine or Italian beer.

Although if I could make one suggestion, I would give yourself more time in Rome than the other two cities. Honestly, you could spend a week in Rome and feel like you haven't seen half of the Rome tourist attractions that you wanted to see.

If you need some more information about Rome you can visit this Rome tourist guide http://www.romanlife-romeitaly.com/rome-italy-map.html , it has plenty of info about Rome and Roman life, enjoy!

oksana

hi, i live in italy....
you should visit venice... it's fantastic city....
bye and sorry for my mistakes..

CiaoBella

As an Italian, I would say Florence. Since you only have 4 days, you will be able to see more there. Florence is much easier to get around - people walk everywhere. There are also the hills of Tuscany that are very romantic. Here are a few websites about Florence:

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2783533-florence_things_to_do-i

http://www.10best.com/Florence,Italy/

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Italy/Tuscany/Florence-151105/Things_To_Do-Florence-TG-C-1.html

CIAO & HAVE FUN!!!!

michy fantastica

Aww...u can't choose between them. The fact is that Rome is in the middle of Italy and Florence is nearest than Venice. So, for a "distance" point of view i would pick Florence. But even if they are both beautiful, Venice is magic...it's just stunning...i would actually suggest to organize your time better. What about 4 days for Rome, 2 for Venice and 2 for Florence? Cause i'm italian and i would never pick just one of them...if i really had to, i would probably pick Venice anyway.

Brittany

Florence and Venice are my two favourite cities in Italy and you really can't miss either! Florence is the most beautiful city I have ever seen, and my favourite place I have ever been, but Venice is amazing and unlike anything else you have ever seen. I would be spewing to miss seeing either one and I'd put both of them far above Rome anyday.

mcryanb

a lot of italians here (me too !). Well, I think it's like to ask if it's better "tiramisÃ¹" or "pizza", "white wine" or "red wine". I think you are asking about two of more beautiful places in the whole world !!
So it's very hard to say which is better between Firenze and Venezia.
Why not both ? and if you choose Firenze you can go easily (only 1 hour by train !!! very easy) to Bologna (!!!). And Bologna is not far from Venezia too ! If you book a car I suggest Firenze because the man who told you about Tuscany is right, a lot of beautiful places around there, But if you go only as turist and you move only with flights or train so maybe is better Venice. And of course if you go there you have to take Gondola ! Expensive but its' a dream !
Welcome in Italy and don't forget our simple word "ciao" !

pride2075

I'd say Venice. Florence is pretty much a more cultural Rome, and since you're visiting Rome you must see the romantic Venice.

Carla B

i would suggest Venezia

linda b

venice. its very romantic

crisal

I suggest visiting Florence. You'll find interesting museums if you are passionate about art and if you have time you can also visit other towns in the Tuscan area that are very beautiful (Siena, San Gimignano, Fiesole).
Venezia is very expensive and a bit dirty, even if is a very special place, different from any other in the world.

Giana's Mother :)

Florence!!!
Im italian, my best friends family is from there!! Its very beautiful I go to italy every year!! its very nice.

cabot

Venice. If there is a truly unique city in the world, it is Venice. The emotions you feel in Venice are overwhelming.

Now, if I may give you a better suggestion, I would stay 2 days in Venice and 2 days in Florence instead of 4 days in one city.
They are only few hours away by train.

Buon viaggio!

artlover

If it were me, I would pick Florence because of the art. If possible you could go to both-- 4 days in Rome, 2 days in Florence and Venice... We had limited time when we went so we had to choose only 2 places as well. After Rome, we chose to go south to the Amalfi coast, Sorrento and Capri. We were on our honeymoon so we were ready to relax on the beach. We were happy with our choice but people expect you to go to Tuscany, Florence and Venice.

Phil S

I recommend Florence. There is simply more to do there and is just as beautiful as Venice. But do not ge me wrong Venezia is incredible, just not as much to do as in FLorence.,

FLOWER

Venice ( Burano is v.beautiful )

Jimmy

Venice will fill four days more completely than Florence. After you've seen the Uffizi,the Duomo and David and done the bus tour, that's Florence done. Venice on the other hand has all sorts of places up and down the Grand Canal and over on Giudecca and Murano as well as St. Mark's. The food may be better in Florence, and cheaper, but Venice for my money!

chigal2012

Venice is totally a must see. It is the most romantic place I have ever seen! Make sure you are there at night and don't go cheapo---get a latte or coffee at the square. It will be expensive but totally worth the experience. Visiting a glass-blowing factory is pretty sweet too. The architecture in Venice is incredible. Because no cars or vehicles are allowed on the islands, the place has remained almost untouched all these hundreds of years.

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