A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rome vs. Baltimore for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Rome or Baltimore?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rome and Baltimore can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Rome

Rome is a fun-filled, popular, and ancient city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rome and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rome or Baltimore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Baltimore, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more touristy than Baltimore and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

The Colosseum

How is Rome different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Baltimore and Rome. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rome or Baltimore?

Rome is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Is the Food Better in Rome or Baltimore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Rome has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Rome or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Rome is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Rome just to party. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Rome or Baltimore Better for Music?

Rome is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Baltimore?

Rome is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Rome or Baltimore Better for Families?

Both Rome and Baltimore are superb to visit with kids.

Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Baltimore is a very family-friendly destination. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Rome or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Rome is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Rome or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Rome or Baltimore Better for Students?

Rome is a world-class destination for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

Is Rome or Baltimore Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rome is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Rome can get you around easily. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Is Rome or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Rome is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Rome on foot is easy. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Rome Worth Visiting? and Is Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Rome?

How long in Rome or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Rome and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Baltimore. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Rome, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

Families should spend more time in Rome than Baltimore. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rome, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Rome than Baltimore. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rome that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Baltimore if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Rome.

One day in Rome or Baltimore?

People visit Rome because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Baltimore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Rome or Baltimore?

People visit Rome because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Baltimore is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Rome or Baltimore?

People visit Rome because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Baltimore. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rome or Baltimore?

Rome is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The diverse city of Baltimore offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Rome and Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Rome is in Europe and Baltimore is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rome Expensive? and Is Baltimore Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rome or Baltimore?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Rome and Baltimore, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Rome or Baltimore?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Rome or Baltimore in the Summer?

Both Baltimore and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rome in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Rome is generally around the same temperature as Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 25°C (77°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Baltimore. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. Rome usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during summer. Rome gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. In July, Rome usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rome or Baltimore in the Autumn?

Both Baltimore and Rome during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Rome is a little warmer than Baltimore in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In the autumn, Rome often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baltimore. Rome gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets more rain in October than Baltimore. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Baltimore in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Baltimore. The winter months attract visitors to Rome because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. In the winter, Rome is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rome in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Baltimore averages at about 32°F (0°C).

Rome usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during winter. Rome gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rome usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rome or Baltimore in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rome as well as Baltimore. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rome this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city.

In April, Rome is generally a little warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 14°C (57°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In the spring, Rome often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets less rain in April than Baltimore. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Rome