Venice or Rome and where to stay

I would choose rome because there is alot more to do and see there. Venice was nice and interesting to see, but there wasn't as much to do there and I got bored much more quickly.

Venice is always crowded.However there is a reason for that.Its a great place to visit.If you stay the night it becomes a much nicer place in the evening after the daytrippers have left.As far as Rome or Venice it would depend on where you are flying home from.

On one hand, if you've never been to Roma, I say it's a must see--at least once. But having been to both myself, I would go back to VENICE before Rome in a heartbeat. Are you flexible still in terms of which city you depart from at the end of your trip? With 7 nights, just speaking for me, I'd spend 3 in Rome, 2 in Florence, and 2 in Venice. But I like a faster pace, especially if it's a first trip, sort of a survey experience. But if you're set on 5 nights in Tuscany, Barbara, then I guess I'd do Rome. But only if you PROMISE to go back to Italy and spend at least 3 nights in Venice sometime! As for hotels, you can see my recs on my Italian travel blog (address is left, under my name). Ciao.

Hi Barbara,

I think it depends on what you're after. Do you want to spend the 2 1/2 days looking at amazing sights? If so, Rome is your best bet. 2 1/2 days will be easily filled by the Colloseum, the Vatican, Trevi fountain, Borghese Gallery, ect.

But if you're not so interested in seeing the huge sights, and would rather spend your time wandering around a magical (and very different) city, then Venice is your best bet. There are obviously a couple great sights (just not near as many as Rome). Most the fun is just the ambiance and the little things; walking around exploring neighborhoods and taking pictures, riding the vap, ect (the food isn't the best, but you'll already get the best food while in Tuscany).

I have been to Rome once (4 nights), and Venice twice (a total of 7 nights). Venice is my favorite place on earth - but it's not for everyone. Good luck on what you decide!! You can't REALLY go wrong either way =)

IMHO, you can't go wrong with either one. They're my two favorite cities in Italy. And the previous poster absolutely nails it in the difference between the two.

And it's only a couple of spots in Venice that will be truly crowded - Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. Go there later in the day (after 4 or 5 pm) for much smaller crowds.

Rome: Albergo del Senato. About 10 steps from the Pantheon. Fantastic, perfect location, walk to EVERYTHING!
Venice: Hotel Flora. Old and lovely

Not sure what kind of hotel you're looking for, but I just booked Hotel Riva in Venice and Hotel Arenula in Rome for early July. Both had very good rates, good locations, and good reviews from what I've seen.

We loved both the Hotel Smeraldo in Rome and Ca' Angeli in Venice.

I was in both Venice and Rome in the past two weeks. Rome would get my vote. I liked Venice, but was ready to leave after 1 day. Rome is fast paced and crowded too, but there are endless sites to see. I guess it depends on what type of vacation you are looking for.

Barb--My choice is just opposite of last poster which makes the decision hard because what one person likes another does not. Except to see the Vatican again, 1 day in Rome is fine with me for life. On other hand, my wife and I love Venice.
We try to include it about every other time we go to
Italy. (Tuscany is our favorite and would certainly spend more time there).
In Florence, we have stayed at Hotel Belvedere (more like a large estate than a hotel) which is across the Arno, in nice wooded non commercial area with views of historic Florence. Away from the crowd, but a very short taxi ride to the action. Great if you driving.
While pricey, the Londra Palace just down from San Marco Square in Venice is very nice.

We just left Hotel Riva in Venice, fantastic location, between San Marco and Rialto. The rooms are decent for Venice. 120euro for double.