I’m finally realizing my dream of visiting Italy and want to know the best city to visit for someone going for the first time. I’m torn between Rome, Venice and Florence. If you’ve been, which city had the best food, and where was the best place just to wander and get lost.
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I have been really eager to go to Italy myself, but I feel overwhelmed by the choice! 
For a first-timer, similar to what @muhammad asked, let me know where I should start.
A few colleagues suggested I should begin in Rome, and then go to other places after that. Can anyone confirm if that is a good starting point?
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I can vouch for Rome! It is one of those magical places that you have to visit at least once. Rome has everything: culture, food, shopping, architecture, history. If you love to eat - this is your place!
Since you are already getting your way to Italy, you should take a train to Florence (and from there there is an 1 hr bus to see Pisa). After Florence take a train to Venice to finish the trip. These are a must - you won’t regret it!
Are you a peak season traveller or an off season? I feel if you want to go soon, February would be ideal - less crowds in Rome and perfect to experience the Venice Carnival!
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You honestly can’t go wrong with any of the cities you mentioned. Rome and Florence are both must-sees, but you don’t need to spend a ton of time in either. If you have a chance, I would try to get out of the major cities after a few days. I absolutely loved Tuscany (easily accessible from Florence). There are so many incredible medieval towns to explore and food to try. If you’re up for a slower pace, I couldn’t recommend it enough!
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I would recommend taking a train and going to all three 
But if you have limited time i suggest starting in Rome for sure
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My first choice will always be Florence! So much to do and see and I find it’s just got a better vibe than Rome.
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I 100% agree with @WhisperingPines ! I loved Florence, so much more than Rome. However, I really loved the area we stayed in in Rome (Campo de’ Fiori) and would definitely stay there again if I ever returned. Also, Luciano is just down the road and their carbonara is 10/10 
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@kate25 @WhisperingPines @BrokeSinceBangkok @micatravels
You all make a very good case to do both Rome and Florence in one trip! 
How many days would you say I need to roughly plan for? I do not want to rush, and live that la dolce vita.
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Hi there, I’m super interested in visiting Rome. What places do you recommend to learn more about the history of the Roman Era?
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If you’re planning on getting out of the cities and exploring the surrounding towns/villages, I would probably recommend 12 to 14 days. This gives you plenty of time to both explore and lie by the pool and drink wine lol 
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If you only have limited time:
- 3/4 days in Rome
- 2 days in Florence + 1/2 to visit Pisa
- 2 days in Venice
7-8 days is enough - but you need to make sure to bring comfortable shoes because you will be walking around a lot!
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My first thought is Rome, but I knew that I would love it. I was very impressed with Florence! I was 16 years old with my parents, so I just assumed it would be boring. It’s one of the prettiest cities I’ve ever been to in Italy. The Italian riviera is amazing as well.
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@Moodymel I just booked my flight to Rome for a long weekend! Any suggestions of must see things while I am in Rome?
@kate25 @WhisperingPines @BrokeSinceBangkok @micatravels @roann @muhammad For a first-time visit, you really can’t go wrong with Rome, Florence or Venice — each offers something completely different.
That said, I’ve found that Florence is often the easiest to wander and get lost in for first-timers, especially if you enjoy walking, art, food and a slightly slower pace.
Rome is incredible but intense, Venice is magical but very unique — Florence sits beautifully in between.
If time allows, adding a smaller town or region nearby can make the experience even richer. 
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Italy has something for every kind of traveler: history, romance, nature, food, and faith. From my experience, here are the best places to visit.
Rome – The Eternal City: Colosseum, Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona. Rome is full of Roman history everywhere.
Florence – Renaissance art, Michelangelo’s David, Duomo, rich culture.
Venice – Gondolas, canals, St. Mark’s Square
Milan – Fashion capital, modern Italy, and The Last Supper.
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