Comparison · Jerusalem vs Rome · Israel / Italy
Jerusalem vs Rome
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: askii, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Jerusalem for Old City and Western Wall; choose Rome for Colosseum and Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 2,304 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,304 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Jerusalem
- April–June and September–November
- Best time for Rome
- April–May and September–October
Side by side
| Jerusalem | Rome | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Israel | Italy |
| Known for | Old City, Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre | Colosseum, Vatican and Sistine Chapel and Ancient ruins |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–November | April–May and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$320 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 29°C (84°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 12°C (54°F) | January, 12°C (54°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 12 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | TLV | FCO, CIA |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Jerusalem for…
Old City and Western Wall. Jerusalem is sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and its walled Old City — under one square kilometre, divided into the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian quarters — holds the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Temple Mount /…
Choose Rome for…
Colosseum and Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Rome layers nearly 3,000 years of history into a walkable centre: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Pantheon, Baroque piazzas such as Navona and, across the Tiber, Vatican City with St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Most sights lie inside the…
Top sights compared
| # | Jerusalem | Rome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Wall | Colosseum |
| 2 | Western Wall Tunnels | Roman Forum and Palatine Hill |
| 3 | Church of the Holy Sepulchre | Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel |
| 4 | Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif and the Dome of the Rock | St Peter's Basilica |
| 5 | Old City walls and Ramparts Walk | Pantheon |
Food compared
| Jerusalem | Rome |
|---|---|
| Hummus | Spaghetti alla carbonara |
| Jerusalem mixed grill | Cacio e pepe |
| Ka'ak al-Quds | Bucatini all'amatriciana |
| Knafeh | Supplì |
Which is cheaper?
Jerusalem and Rome cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $180–$320 in Jerusalem and $170–$300 in Rome (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Rome on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,304 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 9 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Jerusalem or Rome cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $180–$320 in Jerusalem and $170–$300 in Rome (estimates).
+Is Jerusalem or Rome better for a first trip?
Pick Jerusalem for Old City and Western Wall, or Rome for Colosseum and Vatican and Sistine Chapel.
+How far is Jerusalem from Rome?
About 2,304 km in a straight line.