In the last five years, I have found myself in Italy three times and each time I go there are two cities I visit each and every single time. Those two cities are Venice and Rome. Both cities are some of the most popular and talked about places to visit when in the boot, but both have different characteristics and lifestyles.
Before I get to the simple straightforward differences, you should know that my personal opinion is that, if you decide to go to Italy, you should visit both instead of one. Granted, I am aware that due to time constraints, some of you may have to pick one or the other. So, that is the reason I am putting this blog post together.
If you’d like to get more in-depth experiences one each of the cities, feel free to read any of my other articles.
Rome: It Takes A Lifetime To See All Of Rome
Venice: Grab A Map and Walk All of Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Venice is located in the northeastern part of Italy. It’s the capital of the Veneto region and close to other cities such as Padova and Verona. Venice is known for its canals, small streets, gondolas and bridges. There are no cars or buses, so the city is not as noisy or polluted as others. However, depending at which local attraction you are viewing, many parts of the city are superbly crowded with tourists. For example, when you’re on the Rialto bridge, it’s a struggle to get through and get a good look at the shops, simply because it’s that crowded.
However, one of the most peaceful moments one can have in Venice, is a ride on a gondola. Yes, its cliche, and many locals see it as a touristic thing, it is. Regardless, it’s an experience you can’t skip when in Venice.
Overall, Venice is one of those cities that can never be duplicated or replaced. Truthfully, there is no city like it. The buildings, streets and the Canal Grande are out of this world. It feels like stepping into a postcard of a town so far away, you can’t possibly imagine getting there by bus, train or plane. It’s that stunning. Truly.
Fast Facts:
- Cicchetti, which are small Italian appetizers are very popular in Venice
- Spritz, is one of the most popular drinks here
- There are no buses, cars, etc. Only boats. Or you can get places by walking through the little streets
- Venetians wear boots if there is “acqua alta,” which means high water. Afterall, one of its nicknames is the “City of Water”
- Bird feeding is done a lot here
- And so is buying masks (I bought myself one during my first visit)
- Has many nicknames: “La Dominante,” “Serenissima,” “Queen of the Adriatic,” “City of Water,” “City of Masks,” “City of Bridges,” “The Floating City,” and “City of Canals.”
Rome, Italy
Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the most sought out tourist destinations right next to London and Paris. Rome is known and treasured for its long history. In fact, the city’s historical landmarks are the thriving epicenter of their economy. So many people visit throughout each year and spend tons of money visiting places like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, etc, that the city itself well preserves these locations with renovations and updates to keep the economy thriving.
Rome, is one of those cities you just have to visit at least once in your lifetime, the simple feeling you get of just knowing you’re in Rome, is thrilling. Walking through the streets, getting a glimpse of the daily roman lifestyle is wonderful. At nights, the golden lights throughout the city make for the most romantic evenings. Even if you’re not traveling with a loved one, those lights will just make you fall in love with life itself. The architecture, the landmarks and the historic value is immense and is perfect for taking in that European lifestyle.
Fast Facts:
- Rome is famous for bacon and pork sandwiches
- Is one of the oldest cities in Europe
- Vatican city is located right by Rome, this is where you can find the Vatican, home of the pope
- Is widely recognized as a fashion world capital and has one of the most expensive shopping streets, Via dei Condotti
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ROME AND VENICE
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People in Venice walk more because there are no cars, buses, etc
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Romans eat more pasta, while Venetians eat more fish
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Rome is bigger, compared to Venice
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Hotels are more expensive in Venice than in Rome
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Rome is famous for gladiators while Venice is famous for vessels
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Romans can be more friendly but also more stubborn
WHERE SHOULD YOU GO?
I think that both Venice and Rome are places YOU MUST GO TO. But if you must only pick one I suggest you take this quiz to decide.
QUIZ:::::::: ARE YOU MORE VENETIAN OR ROMAN?
FOR OTHER ARTICLES ON OTHER ITALIAN CITIES SELECT BELOW:
VERONA: Lets Fall In Love In Verona.
Florence: How Florence, Italy Took My Breath Away Both Literally and Figuratively
Noale: Discovering the Past of Italy’s Medieval Town of Noale
TRAVEL WITH DENISE 
This is actually a super interesting post! Love the comparisons! Which city is your favourite?
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Omg, it is so hard to pick! I love Venice during the day and Rome at night. If that helps.
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This was a great post for me to read! I will be backpacking through both Venice and Rome (with my toddler) in 50 days! Loved your pictures, just fueled my excitement!
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Omg how exciting! Yes, they are both so amazing you will have an awesome time!
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Italy is probably my favourite place in the whole world and I have to say I think I definitely prefer Venice (I have a wall of Venetian masks to prove it.) Love the post!
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I’ve been to Rome but not Venice yet! Good to know the differences. I can’t wait to go!
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Great post ! Have only visited Venice and loved it 🙂
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I did the quiz and it says I am more Roman, though I did enjoy Venice. I really enjoyed both places so it would be hard to choose one 🙂
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Yay, I hope you enjoyed it!
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Going to Rome (again) in March! Although I’ve never been to Venice, I love the comparison of the two cities!!
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yay! have fun! If your schedule allows it you should definitely go to Venice. You wont regret it!
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Nice simplified difference between the two cities. Been to Rome, but not Venice. Can’t wait to visit and make the comparison for myself. Well done and great pictures!
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Thanks for sharing your account in both cities – they both sound amazing! I’d love to visit Italy one day. I studied Italian as part of my undergrad and my lecturer, who was Italian, would share details, experiences and places in Italy which sounded extraordinary. She would tell us that we can’t learn the language without learning about the culture and people, and since then I had a little fascination with Italy.
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Yes, very true. Every city in Italy is unique in its own way, you’d love it! And its so easy to get around.
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I’ve been in Venice and I didn’t like it that much. I need to see Rome but I guess I’ll love it. Cool post!
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I do love Roma, away from the most touristy areas, so I’m assuming that despite it’s beauty, Venice’s crowded nature might make me a bit annoyed. However, I definitely have to make it to Venice before it sinks!
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I love being reminded about how different a “typical” diet can be within one country – based on region. I’ve also heard that the gelatto in Venice is a little… disappointing in comparison to what you can find in Rome – has this been your experience? Or is there another dessert that Venice does really well?
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Hi Katie, you know its odd but I actually preferred the gelato in Venice than in Rome. But in Rome they did have this delicious gelato shop called ‘Venchi’, and its apparently one of the fanciest gelato shops in Italy. I didn’t see one of those in Venice, but who knows I might have missed it.
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Whilst I’ve visited Venice, I’ve still not made it to Rome! It’s on my bucket list of things to do, great post!
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Hi Denise! Happy to have found your blog! I love the layout, the style the content…everything! I’ve read some of your posts and I can’t wait to read more! I’m a travel lover too so I’m definitely looking forward to following you 🙂
Lisa | http://www.fromdreamtoplan.net/
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you are so sweet, thank you!
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My pleasure! 🙂
P.S.
I’m Italian and my hometown is near Venice so it was fun reading your posts about Italy!! 😀
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Omg you are so lucky to live in such a beautiful country. Ive gone three times and I always stay in the Venice region when I go. So lovely!
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I do not live there anymore, I’m doing my BA in the UK 😉 But yes, it’s really nice going back there during holidays and I’m glad to hear you enjoy my region! 🙂
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Amazing! Hope you enjoy your time in college!
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Thank you! 🙂
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