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

Should you visit Rome or Washington?

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 Washington 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Washington

Washington is a active, monument-filled, and international city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Rome and Washington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rome or Washington?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rome than Washington. Rome is bigger than Washington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rome is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Washington is more popular for its theatre productions, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Rome is more touristy than Washington and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Washington is well known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums.

The Colosseum

How is Rome different from Washington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Washington 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 Washington?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Rome or Washington.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rome on the map. 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.

Travelers visit Washington from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

Is Rome or Washington Better for Theater?

Washington is a great destination for its shows and theatre. However, Rome is not a theatre destination.

Washington attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Rome is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Rome and Washington can be an enjoyable experience.

Many restaurants in Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Eat your way through Washington, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

Is Rome or Washington Better for Nightlife?

Rome is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

Washington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Is Rome or Washington Better for Music?

Rome is a world-class destination for live music. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its live music scene.

Rome is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

The music scene helps keep Washington active and fun. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Is Rome or Washington Better for Hiking?

Washington is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Washington?

Rome is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Rome. 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.

Washington is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Is Rome or Washington Better for Christmas?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Rome does not offer Christmas activities.

Washington is a world class destination for shoppers. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Rome does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Rome or Washington Better for Families?

Both Rome and Washington 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.

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Is Rome or Washington Better for Couples?

Both Rome and Washington are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Washington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Is Rome or Washington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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).

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Rome or Washington Better for Students?

Rome and Washington are amazing places to visit for students.

Rome is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Washington is a very popular place to visit for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Rome and Washington.

Visitors in Rome can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

Washington has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Is Rome or Washington a more walkable city?

Rome and Washington both are amazing when exploring on foot.

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.

Washington is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Washington or Rome?

How long in Rome or Washington?

Both Rome and Washington have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Rome has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Rome than Washington. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Washington 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 Washington?

When visiting Rome, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Washington. 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 Washington?

When visiting Rome, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Washington is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Rome or Washington?

Rome, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the diverse big city of Washington. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Rome or Washington?

Rome is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse city of Washington. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Rome and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rome or Washington?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Rome and Washington, 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 Washington?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Rome or Washington in the Summer?

Both Washington and Rome during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rome in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Rome is around the same temperature as Washington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rome in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Washington averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Rome. In the summer, Rome often gets more sunshine than Washington. Rome gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets less rain in July than Washington. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Washington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Washington. 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 Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Rome is generally a little warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 17°C (63°F), and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Rome usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Washington during autumn. Rome gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rome usually receives more rain than Washington. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rome or Washington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Rome as well as Washington. The winter months attract visitors to Rome because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. Rome is much warmer than Washington in the winter. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Rome often gets less sunshine than Washington. Rome gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets more rain in January than Washington. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Washington in the Spring?

Both Washington and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rome this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rome is around the same temperature as Washington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rome in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Washington averages at about 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Washington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. Rome usually receives less sunshine than Washington during spring. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rome usually receives less rain than Washington. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Washington and Rome