Rome vs Florence: Ancient ruins or Renaissance art?
Rome is 3000 years of history layered on top of each other (Colosseum, Vatican). Florence is more compact, focused on Renaissance art (Uffizi, David) and Tuscan cuisine.
Updated: 22 July 2026 · compiled by the CheapTrips editors
Choose Rome for the Colosseum and 2000 years of history. Choose Florence for Renaissance art and Tuscan charm. Flights from the Netherlands take about 2 hours 30 to Rome and about 2 hours to Florence. On price, are similarly priced. For a first visit most travellers pick Rome.
Rome
Rome is an open-air museum: 2000 years of history in every street, with Roman ruins, baroque squares and the best pasta carbonara in the world.
Flight from NL: €80 return
View Rome →Florence
Florence is the city of the Renaissance: Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Brunelleschi's dome, all within ten minutes' walking distance.
Flight from NL: €100 return
View Florence →Rome vs Florence at a glance
| Rome | Florence | |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight from NL | €80 return | €100 return |
| Flight time from Schiphol | about 2 hours 30 | about 2 hours |
| Coast / beach | No | No |
| Museums | World-class | World-class |
| Nightlife | Decent | Quiet |
| Winter weather | Mild | Cool |
| Best months | April, May, June, September, October | April, May, June, September, October |
| Ideal length | 4 days | 2 days |
| Price level | €€€ | €€€ |
Rome and Florence are both popular for a trip from the Netherlands, but they feel quite different. Rome is known for the Colosseum and 2000 years of history, while Florence is about Renaissance art and Tuscan charm. On price, are similarly priced. Rome ideally needs 4 days, while you can see Florence well in 2 days. The best months are April, May, June, September, October for Rome and April, May, June, September, October for Florence. Want to combine them: The high-speed train runs in about 1 hour 30 between Rome and Florence, easy to combine. All prices below are indicative and based on return flights from Schiphol or Eindhoven outside the school holidays.
Best time to visit compared
Rome
April, May and September-October are ideal, 20-25°C, manageable crowds. July and August are oppressively hot (35°C+) and restaurants/museums are full of tourists. November and January are cheap but changeable.
Florence
April-May and September-October: 18-25°C, shorter queues at the Uffizi. Avoid July/August (35°C+ and dusty). November-March is cheap and quiet, perfect for museum lovers, but the chance of rain is higher.
Flights + transfer from the Netherlands
Rome
From Schiphol to Rome-Fiumicino (FCO) in 2 hours 30 minutes. KLM, ITA Airways, Vueling. To the centre: Leonardo Express €14 or bus €6,90. Locally: metro/bus €1,50 per ride, day pass €7.
Florence
From Schiphol to Florence Peretola (FLR) in 2 hours 5 minutes. KLM and Vueling, limited flights, alternative via Pisa Galileo (PSA) with a train connection (€10, 70 min). Locally: everything is walkable, or bus €1,50.
Costs compared
Rome
Hostels from €25, mid-range hotels €100-160, vacation rentals via Vrbo around €110 per night. Food: pizza al taglio €4, pasta lunch €12-15, traditional dinner €25-35.
Florence
Hostels from €30, mid-range hotels €110-170, vacation rentals €120 per night. Food: cantucci €2, panini at All'Antico Vinaio €7, traditional dinner €30-40.
Who is it for?
Choose Rome if you are...
First-time Italy visitors and history fans who want to see the eternal city.
Choose Florence if you are...
Art lovers and foodie couples who want somewhere less busy and full of charm.
Our verdict
Rome has more to see (figure on 4 days), Florence is enough in 2-3 days. Combination: a 1.5-hour train ride between the two.
Plan your trip
Frequently asked: Rome or Florence
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Discover these destinations
See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.