Florence vs. Venice

Venice-quieter (no cars)and you can get away from the crowds. In Venice tourists tend to concentrate on the San Marcos area and there a lot of day trippers. If you stay away from there during 9 to 4 and wander the back streets, it is much more pleasant. In Florence, the tourist sites are more spread out and of course you have traffic added to the mix. I was just in both cities last month (my 2nd visit to each) and I definitely prefer Venice.

That is a true apple and orange question. I say both for different reasons. But if I had to choice just one, probably would go with Florence simply because of the history and significance to Roman history.

both great but there is nothing quite like venice...especially in the evening when the tourists leave and hit the mainland...walk and walk and wander around...

Venice. I think it is romantic. And I never tire of the quiet backways. I've been in fall and winter, and I think it would be a bad choice for a summer visit.

Venice, definitely. There's nowhere in the world like it. Florence, on the other hand, was a bit of a disappointment to us. It was much more of a big city than we had anticipated, albeit with some wonderful museums & churches.

Florence -- world-famous art museum, beautiful architecture, lots of charm, shops to browse in, great leather goods for sale

It really depends on what kind of person you are, I was in both cities in March and Florence was so-so. The Accademia was amazing to see the 17 foot marble statue of David. The place is full of beggars and bums. We only had one day there so we couldn't see the Uffizi gallery but I hear it is amazing. The duomo is a major letdown, there is hardly anything inside to see. The bridges crossing the Arno is nice. Venice is absoultely AMAZING!!!!! The people are nicer, the endless backways and endless alleys. Saint Marks and the Doges Palace is so nice. My favorite meal was actually the first night in Venice. Over all of this I would defintely say Venice!!

Thanks for all the input everyone!

Definitely Florence. Everyone I speak to is happy they went to Venice, but did not enjoy acutally being there and would not go back.

We went to both last year. Florence is amazing and has fantastic works of art and history. That said, if you are not that interested in Renaissance art and history (the David, Botticelli etc.), you might not be that interested in Florence. Florence is in Tuscany, so you could take an easy day trip to other Tuscan cities or to Siena.

Venice is extremely crowded during the day and expensive. It is also a little dirty. The "streets" in Venice are narrow little paths and run in directions without order. However, it is really cool to just see Venice and the water-streets. Saint Mark's and Saint Mark's square are both really beautiful. We spent one night there and that was enough.

I'd pick Venice - the romance can't be beat. I love the muted colors of the buildings, the people watching is incredible, and the food is amazing.

You have to stay at least 2 nights to really get a good feel of that which is Venice.