Holiday showdown: Rome vs Venice

It may be the first thing the Italians were ever known for. Never-ending swirls of spaghetti pasta, charcoal flakes on the crust of a stone-baked pizza and scoops of irresistible gelato dripping down a wafer-thin cone, Italy knows how to do food well. But which of our major cities does it best?

ROME

The capital knows of the country’s foodie reputation and it doesn’t intend on falling short. Whet your appetite with supplì, similar to arancini, the Rome supplì is a rice ball filled with mozzarella and marinara sauce and deep fried. The crunchy outside and melty middle makes it the perfect snack while you wander the streets.

For mains, there is only one choice. Pasta. Rome is the champion of simple pasta dishes done to perfection and there are four key dishes that are a must try. Probably the most controversially made around the world, carbonara is our firm favourite but you won't be finding cream in this recipe. The sauce made from egg yolks, Pecorino Romano and a dash of pasta water topped with salty guanciale and black pepper. The three other signature favourites are pasta alla gricia, cacio e pepe and bucatini all'amatriciana. 

VENICE

When it comes to eating out in Venice, fish is almost certainly always on the menu. The most famous seafood entrée is Baccala’ Mantecata, made with cod from the northern seas that’s salted and dried. To eat like a local, head to Antiche Carampane where you'll enjoy traditional cooking in one of the city’s oldest trattorie, found tucked away just moments from Rialto Bridge. This special eatery has served the stars including Natalie Portman and Yoko Ono.

And who could forget the Italian pizza? Venice is filled with street stalls selling the most mouth-watering slices of margherita, Neapolitan, Quattro Stagioni, and more - the perfect pick-me-up in the middle of sightseeing.

Meander through Venice's walkways and you'll find local fare on every corner. Whether it's an al fresco coffee shop perfect for a pit-stop espresso or a stall filled with every flavour of gelato you could possibly imagine, in Venice you'll need to bring your appetite. And to wash it all down? The famous Aperol Spritz is the perfect cocktail to end your day with. 

ROME 

If it’s ancient wonders that you like to fill your memory books with, Rome is the place for you. The ancient Romans built groundbreaking structures around the world, but it’s Rome which is the epicenter of the architectural genius. Of course, you must begin with the Colosseum, holding nearly 2,000 years of history in its memory, and taking you back to 80 AD. Marvel at the biggest Roman amphitheatre where exotic animals were exhibited, battles of gladiators took place and prisoners executed. All in the name of entertainment!

Once you’ve had your fill of of the past, head to the Vatican for some of the present day. The smallest independant state in the world sits unphased in the centre of Rome and as it's the hub of authority over the Roman Catholic Church, is ruled by the Pope. It’s also the smallest area, just 0.44km², filled with the highest number of significant sights. St Peter’s Square gives you 360° vistas of the church, 284 columns and 88 pillars that flank the area.

St Peter’s Basilica is your next stop, as one of the largest churches in the world, boasting works by Michelangelo, impressive pieces of art and a dome which, once climbed, gifts you with the most unforgettable view of St Peter’s Square. Finally there’s the Sistine Chapel, one of the greatest treasures of the Vatican and the world in general. Once you have entered, keep your head up and marvel at the ceiling; painted by Michelangelo over four years, it tells a story and commands the room, so expect your neck to ache.

VENICE

Days in Venice do not have to include 'sightseeing' to be spectacular. Simply getting your steps in will be a feast for the eyes as you walk between cobbled lanes, tiptoe over tiny bridges and watch gondolas passing by. 

However for those looking to tick off the architectural must do's, you're first stop is St Mark's Square. Despite its intimacy, Piazza San Marco lives up to other European squares with its bustling atmosphere. The outer walkways are lined with luxury shopping venues and eateries which offer the perfect morning view of Saint Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. The iconic cathedral appears on most postcards of Venice, and with its carvings and design, it’s a signature of Venetian architecture. Doge’s Palace stands proud as a must-see museum, with lavish shapes and ornate statues. Grand staircases and gilded ceilings make both the interior and exterior a sight you will definitely want to appear on your social media feed.

Finally it's time to escape to the waterways and head to Rialto Bridge which will satisfy your wanderlust. Built across the narrowest stretch of the Grand Canal, we recommend taking in the best view from the ground below and avoiding the crowds on the bridge. Here you can admire views of gondolas paddling across the canal, romancing couples enjoying a waterfront dinner and live music serenading the movement of Venice. 

ROME

Classic, refined and chic, Italian style is known across the world and when it comes to shopping, both Rome and Venice offer gorgeous designer districts to drape you in the most exquisite fabrics. And where do we start on the list of Italian ateliers? Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, the list goes on. The runway styles have transcended the retail ranks and now they can be yours.

Rome’s Via dei Condotti is the place to be seen and the place to spend, with some of the country’s most prestigious fashion brands setting up shop here. Houses like Dior, and Bvlgari have intimate stores bursting with new season collections, a haven for fashionistas. A walk down here will begin quaint but will end in the Spanish Steps, where a well-deserved coffee or an afternoon cocktail will be the reward after all that shopping. 

VENICE 

Venice steps up to the shopping competition with Le Mercerie, an exclusive area made up of a series of streets lined with shops from Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Prada. For true Italian opulence, Salizada San Moisè is just a short walk from St Mark’s Square and is home to some of the most respected fashion brands like Versace, Etro and a flagship Miu Miu.

The beating heart of the city’s fashion is venetian lace, and the colourful island of Burano is the undisputed capital of the delicate material. And even if you’re not seeking a lacey delight, the rainbow of houses lining the canal will melt your heart and provide the perfect backdrop to a mini photoshoot. 

ROME

A notoriously romantic country, Italy has always been a place for lovers on a dreamy getaway. Rome is the ideal weekend break for loved-up couples and we’ve got an itinerary designed specifically for you to reminisce forever. Start by making a wish in the Trevi Fountain, by throwing a coin over your left shoulder, for good luck. Next, rent a Vesper for two, and scoot your way around the Colosseum. Finish the day toasting an Aperol Spritz sitting on the Spanish Steps as the sun sets on another beautiful day in the ancient city. Bellissimo!

VENICE

But then there’s Venice, up there with Paris and New York, as one of the most romantic cities in the world. Could anything say “that’s amore” more than a private twilight gondola ride, with the sounds of a gondolier singing and the light tapping of the paddle? The Venetian sky often paints itself pink as the sun sets, so find a spot at Rialto Bridge and take in the views of this floating city; it's certainly a magical spot if you're thinking of getting engaged in Italy. 

Unsurprisingly, Rome and Venice are both hubs for ultra-luxury hotels, so we understand it's hard to choose where to rest your head. We shine a spotlight on our three favourites in each city to help you make up your mind:

ROME

Palazzo Manfredi - Relais & Chateaux
Best for: Views of the Colosseum 

Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel 
Best for: Escaping the city 

The St. Regis Rome
Best for: Family-friendly excursions 

VENICE

The St. Regis Venice
Best for: Canal side suites

JW Marriot Venice Resort 
Best for: Private pool villas and fantastic facilities 

San Clemente Palace Kempinski 
Best for: Michelin-starred dining and luxury spa