where to stay in florence, italy rick steves

Sometimes closures are not announced, so stay flexible and relaxed. Okay no to Lido. Any tips for day trips, restaurants, etc would be welcomed! This entire experience was so richly rewarding and emotional. In 2014, we decided to do a Northern Tuscany trip. A recent exhaustive search for a friend yielded this as my choice in Florence for best value and best location Excellent value and fabulous owner It is located directly across the street from the train station so schlepping luggage isn't a problem. As sure as Tagliatelle Bolognese is delicious, and visiting a different cafe and gelateria every day is a worthy task, Bologna and surrounding towns are indeed worth a few pages in Ricks guidebooks. And the big, beautiful main square is a classic Italian piazza, with a church bell tower facing down a city hall tower over al fresco caf tables. Thanks to all that responded. What about you? Also, the squares have pianos and the students walk up and play at will. Lucca Charming town with a lively (and flat) center full of pleasant cafs and shops, ringed by intact Renaissance walls wide enough for biking and strolling. My advise is to stay as close to the center of the old city as possible. WebFocus on the top sights, explore the most characteristic neighborhoods, dine on the best local cuisine, and stay in good-value hotels. These four examples Modena, Lucca, Treviso, and Trento all happen to be in the northern part of Italy. 19:00 Cross Ponte Vecchio for dinner and take my guidebooks' self-guided Oltrarno Walk. Our family of four ("kids are 20 and 22) loved it; we had a large room, with a private bathroom. Picturesque Asolo and the prosecco wine region of Valdobbiadene round out the experience just north of Treviso. Also went back twice to our favorite restaurant in Florence (Rosso Crudo) which seems never to be busy. Cooking classes are an ideal way to learn a thing or two about this region's prodigious culinary tradition. Some of the best meals Ive had in Italy were in those cities. In that case I would decide what you want to paint/photograph and let that dictate where you look. Our family of four ("kids are 20 and 22) loved it; we had a large room, with a private bathroom. Instead of spinning racks of postcards and tacky T-shirts and shot glasses, you see pharmacies, fashion boutiques, midrange chain stores, hole-in-the-wall alimentari, and kitchen-supply shops. I got an email yesterday from a good friend who's in Florence now and raving about Hotel Casci (and complaining about 40 degree temps). May 12, 2019 by Rick Steves My Florence Hotel: Location, Location, Location Join me at the place Ive called home for the last few days in Florence Hotel Loggiato Dei Serviti and check out my rooftop view of the Duomo, coming right in I like Cannaregio, stayed at Locanda San Marcuolo a couple of years ago. Hi Cameron. I don't know your budget, but I find 231 below 500 USD for three nights. I disagree with the suggestion that one cannot find a good meal in Venice or Florence. It still makes me smile. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. The only tour we took was to the hill towns of the Veneto. Please don't take this the wrong way, but how do you decide to go to Venice (or for that matter anywhere) and then ask total strangers for advice about what you should do ? Even though the apartment was charming, and the owner was very friendly, I wouldn't recommend it. Strange as it sounds, it was at least as good as Massimos place. Probably not. Booking.com is a good place to start your search Use the filters and see what grabs you Cant offer much more not knowing your budget or specific needs On http://www.momondo.com/hotels I find 965 rooms. The best part of that is being able to experience the city in the early mornings and late at night. The heart of the food scene in Florence is the trendy Industrial Age, steel-and-glass Mercato Centrale (Central Market). Does anyone have any recommendations for accommodations? For COVID-19 Travel and RS Tours information, Terms of Service | Privacy, Florence & Tuscany: Recommended Books and Movies, Assisi and Italian Country Charm (episode), Florence: Heart of the Renaissance (episode), Florentine Delights and Tuscan Side-Trips (episode), Renaissance Art and Architecture in Florence (clip), Siena and Tuscanys Wine Country (episode), Travel Talks: Hill Towns of Tuscany & Umbria, Florences Accademia: The Temple of David, Italy Connoisseurs Choose Leisurely Lucca, Sienas Palio: 500 Years of History in 90 Seconds, Tuscanys Powerful, Towerful San Gimignano, Volterra and San Gimignano: Hill Towns with a Twist, Pleasures of Italian Cuisine We stayed in Hotel il Bargellino which is a Rick Steves recommended hotel. You will have to copy and paste this one: I asked myself that several times before I arrived, and the answer was entirely practical: Because it was the only place between Milan and Croatia that had a direct flight to Prague, where I was heading next. The advantage here is a you have a kitchen so you can prepare meals if you like. I lived and worked in Rome in 1978-1979 Why don't you start by doing some research on your own. The room was very basic but clean. Its a marvelous place for wandering. Unless you already have a specific place where your party wants to paint or photograph, I would stay in Florence or Siena and use it as your hub. But dont forget that theres so much of Europe to see, beyond its marquee cities. it was booked on every other site so that was my option. My next trip needs to be to Pulia to connect with my mothers family roots. Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are our recommended priorities: 3 days: Florence 5 days, add: Siena 8 days, add: Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino We are staying at the Granduomo. I would keep a close eye on the US embassy site in Italy, as things change very quickly. Tuscan riboleta combines these ingredients into a savory bean-and-bread soup. Thank you for this article. Rooms vary in size. While that would be a great strategy for the right traveler, this traveler didnt bother going into Venice, and didnt miss it one bit. Coffee and ejf: How to Travel as a Temporary European. (That also happens to be the most touristy or, I guess, least untoursty of the bunch.) On this trip, I finally made it to Emilia-Romagna, Italys most renowned culinary region. While Castelrotto and Alto Adige (a.k.a. And I must stay, I liked them at least as much as the biggies. * Expert advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and money* Two-day itineraries covering Venice, the Cinque Terre, Florence, the Hill Towns of Central Italy, Rome, Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast* Over 80 full-colour maps and vibrant photos * Rick's tips We couldnt get a table at Osteria Francescana and anyway, we werent up for the 500-per-plate price tag. You might have a look at THIS place which is relatively close to Firenze SMN rail station. The streets feel manicured; the mismatched riverstone cobbles gleam in the hot sun. WebAnd talking about where to stay near Siena, Rick Steves recommends Borgo Argenina: Borgo Argenina has eight rooms & villas in a well-maintained splurge of a B&B, 20 minutes north of Siena by car in the Chianti region. Totally agree with your comments only thing I would disagree with is your suggestion to included Bologna and surrounding towns in R.S.s guidebooks. I think we were the only English speaking ones there! Looking for suggestions for places to stay, possibly even with a Rick Steves discount for a few days in October 2021. We did a day trip to Fortezza delle Verrucole, which guarded the pass from France to Italy in the middle ages, and other drives to the Grotta del Vento (Cave of the Wind), and Isola Santa (a small village partly submerged by a modern reservoir with an interesting church and a lovely stream with white marble chips instead of gravel on the shores). (Frankly, I cant remember a single truly great meal Ive had in Florence or Venice.) Usually 2-3 a slice. You may find those are the places youll never forget. Some suggest staying in Treviso and day-tripping to Venice just 30 minutes by train. Bassano del Grappa is also home to the Poli Grappa Museum. We love https://www.7florence.com/en/about-7florence/. Siena Red-brick hilltop city known for its medieval pageantry, Palio horse race, proud spirit, and stunning traffic-free main square great anytime but best after dark. . We also fell in love with a place (I think it's a Venice chain) called Farini. (That also happens to be the most touristy or, I guess, least untoursty of the bunch.) (photo: Ben Cameron) Florence offers plenty of engaging cooking classes. Where you should stay or where you should eat ? --Page 4 of cover. I am taking my 2 college aged sons there next month. What neighbourhoods have you liked? I realize you're looking for a budget-friendly room but you don't say what your budget is. We'd like to be fairly close to the train station, in a clean, friendly place, paying about 100 EU per night for a double room. (photo: Ben Cameron) Florence offers plenty of engaging cooking classes. see our FAQ. I have been to all of these towns, and your assessment is spot onFerrara BTW has the oldest wine bar in Italy, make it a stopping point the next time. But be sure to get a place away from the Ponte Vecchio and the other popular spots. The owner brought out a big chalkboard menu, then proceeded to ignore it as he personally talked me through the options to craft my ultimate dinner. (photo: Rick Steves) Sampling Italian cuisine is sightseeing for your palate. The historical center in Florence I rather enjoy feeling Im in the safest country, one that is doing everything to keep people safe. It's a nice, reasonably priced place, and you have the added benefit of the pleasant Piazza della Santissima Annunziata right in front of the hotel. And the upstairs is a bustling food court open late into the evening. Hope it works for you! Hotel Tivoli is at the border of Dorsoduro and San Polo. But you do NOT want to drive in Florence. * Expert advice from Rick Steves on what's worth your time and money* Two-day itineraries covering Venice, the Cinque Terre, Florence, the Hill Towns of Central Italy, Rome, Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast* Over 80 full-colour maps and vibrant photos * Rick's tips We were able to walk to the Accademia, the Uffizi, and the Ponte Vecchio from this hotel. WebTuscany With its manicured fields, rustic farms, cypress-lined driveways, and towns clinging to nearly every hill, Tuscany is our romantic image of village Italy. The cleaning fees can add to the price up if it's a shorter versus longer time, and a kitchen can be a waste if not planning on using one. Hike from Ravello to Amalfi Town Roughly hour-long downhill walk for hardy hikers along a winding path past the delightful world-apart village of Atrani, with lovely views throughout. If youre enjoying a picnic and ants or bees are driving you crazy, you set out a little dish of sugar water to distract them while you happily munch away on your food. Arezzo, Pisa, Lucca or even Siena (all probably 1-1.5 hours by train or bus) I like to do my own research, but doing research is a skill, which this forum and website can help people to acquire. This village, Torre del Colle, is a medieval castle recently renovated with all the needs of tourists: a beautiful locale, close to other tourist areas, hostel, B&B, and restaurant(s) along with outdoor activities. Our family of four ("kids are 20 and 22) loved it; we had a large room, with a private bathroom. Lisa is correct. LINK: https://www.loggiatodeiservitihotel.it/. I stayed at the Hotel Monica two years ago. Billa is a small grocery store - if you need to stretch your dollars or want something simple. Weve been there before and love it. We did not stay here, but wish we had. Sure, if youre bored, you can get a list of museums and churches from the TI. Close enough to stuff but away from the main crowds. Sampling Italian cuisine is sightseeing for your palate. If money is a factor - try not eating on San Marco square itself. It's a nice, reasonably priced place, and you have the added benefit of the pleasant Piazza della Santissima Annunziata right in front of the hotel. I know we'll be re-visitting Europe and especially Italy for years to come. A car is most helpful for exploring the hill town regions and the Dolomites. The location is perfect and we are paying way less than 2 hotel rooms. (Plus, Id read an intriguing New York Times article about Treviso a couple of years ago, which makes many of the same points Im making here.). 14:00 Take a bike or walking tour. WebTuscany With its manicured fields, rustic farms, cypress-lined driveways, and towns clinging to nearly every hill, Tuscany is our romantic image of village Italy. I have read Castello is beautiful for the old architecture, and that Cannaregio is actually pretty nice too. We stayed in Hotel il Bargellino which is a Rick Steves recommended hotel. WebRicks Best Three-Week Trip to Italy The big-ticket stops in Italy Venice, the Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome, and the cluster south of Rome (Sorrento/Naples/Capri/Amalfi) are inconvenient by car and easy by public transportation. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. In Tuscany, I would add Volterra for the photographers. And I order bisteca Romana or exelent seafood in Vernazza. Web10:30 Duomo Museum (statues by Donatello and Michelangelo), or Galileo Science Museum (if art's not your thing) 12:30 Lunch, then wander and shop. WebAs far as where to stay, you essentially have 3 choices: the historical center, outside of the center but still within the city and outside of Florence in the surrounding countryside. --Page 4 of cover. If youve watched any foodie TV about Emilia-Romagna, youve surely seen Massimo mugging for the camera as he shaves delicate curls from gigantic wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano. You do not have to pay to see the museum to eat there. Of these four places Modena, Lucca, Treviso, Trento only one of them is covered in the Rick Steves guidebook, or appear on a Rick Steves tour itinerary: Lucca. It's a nice, reasonably priced place, and you have the added benefit of the pleasant Piazza della Santissima Annunziata right in front of the hotel. We were the only tourists there with a couple of tables of locals. (photo: Ben Cameron) Florence offers plenty of engaging cooking classes. So, Oltrarno? We would like to be near Accademia or Duomo. Cameron- Si, si, si ! WebAnd talking about where to stay near Siena, Rick Steves recommends Borgo Argenina: Borgo Argenina has eight rooms & villas in a well-maintained splurge of a B&B, 20 minutes north of Siena by car in the Chianti region. You can get it now in Kindle version, and itll be available everywhere on February 1. Dont tell anyone but In nearby Possagno you can visit the church dedicated to hometown hero Antonio Canova who has art all over Italy and even a statue in The Louver. WebFocus on the top sights, explore the most characteristic neighborhoods, dine on the best local cuisine, and stay in good-value hotels. It is operated by Carmel (Boston native) and her husband Italian husband Pino. They also help when it rains. Florence is very compact and walkable. Use Rick's tips to beat the crowds, skip lines, and avoid tourist traps." But, in this neighborhood - you get better value for your food dollars. I truly tried to park outside like RS suggested but missed it and ended up in Florence. We enjoyed the leisurely hiking & boating and general relaxing ambiance of Cinque Terre many years ago. This is where I find the tastiest bistecca alla Fiorentina thick T-bone steak, generally grilled very rare and lightly seasoned. Wonderful! Billie Instead, I enjoyed simply exploring Treviso, which I had entirely to myself. We picked up a car at the Florence airport and drove a southern route to Lucca, looping to the Medici Villa dei Poggio a Caiano, one of 12 villas the Medici owned. We have a little Smash book if you haven't heard of them they are for travelling, there's lined pages in them for organizing but also cool photo backgrounds and neat theme pages that you can document bucket lists, top ten fave lists etc. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. In a single day, you can look Michelangelo's David in the eyes, fall under the seductive sway of Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and climb the modern world's first dome, which still dominates the skyline. Totally agree with Bobs comments only thing I would disagree with is your suggestion to included Bologna and surrounding towns in R.S.s guidebooks. The historical center in Florence If you enjoy out-of-the-way places, pick up a copy of my new travel memoir, The Temporary European packed with travel tales and insights. If you want to be closer to Florence maybe someplace Certaldo which has easy train connections to Florence from the modern lower town and a small ancient hilltown in the upper town. It is located near some neat sites like Frari Church and San Rocco complex. I had a room designed for 2 but reserved for just me. agree to have base but need access to bus?train to leave base for 2-3 days at a time for photography jaunts. On our visits there we saw no tour groups. Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are our recommended priorities: 3 days: Florence 5 days, add: Siena 8 days, add: Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino Your stories of un-touristy restaurants reminded me of our time in Olcio just outside of Como. In Tuscany, my wife and I stopped off for lunch in Lucca which has long been one of my favorite Tuscan towns. Offal sandwiches originated as an affordable source of protein for working-class Florentines. It is operated by Carmel (Boston native) and her husband Italian husband Pino. One thing I love about these untouristy towns is that each one has its quirky claims to fame, which its extremely proud of. Several times each day, we are asked for Green Passes, have to wear high-quality medical masks and remain outside to await turns in shops, museums, etc. We are in Florence now and rules change frequently. You might have a look at THIS place which is relatively close to Firenze SMN rail station. In whatever city youre visiting just wander down the narrow, quieter side streets and look for the small cafes & restaurants with only a few tables outsides. I love that piazza! We rented an apartment in Oltrarno, very near the Ponte Vecchio. Hard to believe UNESCO world heritage sites could possibly be under the radar. They are all fantastic, however. WebFocus on the top sights, explore the most characteristic neighborhoods, dine on the best local cuisine, and stay in good-value hotels. Each one stretches toward forested peaks and is lined by skinny, stony townhouses with big shutters and faded frescoes. My adult daughter and I chose Bologna as our base specifically because of its central location in the Emilia-Romagna region (translated: food), and because it is a beautiful and varied city in its own right. Bologna is the capital and leading city, but I stopped off in three smaller towns Modena, Parma, and Ferrara that are more accessible while offering a culinary and cultural landscape thats just as impressive. Then renting a car to go to Florence and Tuscany. We loved it so much we went back the next night. I'm kinda of looking forward to it in a special way, my aunt went a couple years ago on her Europe travels and said it was also planned and squished in as a recommendation and she was over the top happy she did go. We were in Italy in September-October 2021 and felt very safe, but much has changed since then. The list goes on and on. Florence Art-packed, bustling city starring Michelangelo's David, Renaissance paintings, and Brunelleschi's dome with Ponte Vecchio spanning the flood-prone Arno River. Arcades are populated by intriguing shops and delightful cafs. Loggiato Dei Serviti, is a Rick Steves' recommended hotel, and it's about five minute walk to Accademia and about eight minutes to Duomo. Buon appetito! If you decide to stay in Venice proper, check out Locanda Fiorita. On to Pietrasanta, our coastal base where we saw Botero statues and frescoes. I set my expectations low, simply relieved to find an alternative to a meager picnic dinner in my Airbnb. My wife and I had the great fortune to go back and visit Lucca 100 years later, in 2013. It dates from the 16th or 17th century. We arrived in the evening and the B&B made us a reservation at some local restaurant. I always urge Americans to see what they should, and then to venture outside the big three. Venture beyond the fringes of Florence and you'll find a series of sun- and wine-soaked villages, each with its own appeal. We are traveling to Italy next week and all of the restrictions, requirements and forms are there for us to fill out. Thank you for your time. That was a good article. I stay away from places with heaping mounds of brightly (artificially) colored gelato and instead look for covered metal tins with muted-hued gelato that's more likely to be homemade. I find the key to gelato appreciation is sampling liberally and choosing flavors that complement each other, like caff (coffee) and cioccolato (chocolate). We walked along an ancient cobbled road into Barga for dinners. We had planned this trip in 2020 to celebrate our 50th Anniversary! Sorry, I should have been more clear. I have no idea where to begin. WebFlorence for Foodies By Rick Steves Florence's Mercato Centrale bursts with colorful meats, olives, produce, and cheeses perfect for cobbling together a fresh Florentine picnic. Treviso is unspectacular, yet its delightful. In short, places where locals do their shopping. It is in Ricks book and in the Oltrarno. Pienza Pint-sized Renaissance-planned architectural gem of a town nestled in a scenic hilly landscape. And I must stay, I liked them at least as much as the biggies. 1) What's the goal of not staying in Florence? 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Thank you for the article. made it to Lucca and stayed for three days. At the market's tripe stand, it's easy to see that locals eat just about every bit of the cowand some bits unique to the bull, too. theres too much out there. Is it far to get to Venice for a day by boat We loved Hotel David. I recommend Jane Fortunes To Florence Con Amore for backstreet sites such as Last Supper frescoes in refectories around the city. Why did I go to Treviso? Depending on how far your hotel is from the vap. A little more--around 4-6?--but a hearty meal! 2020 & 2021 cancelled itineraries are happening this year, so Bergamo, Mantova, Modena (nice you mentioned it, too! i'm thinking of staying in Lido, it seems less crazy and has a beautiful beach. Italy's most flavorful ice cream-perhaps the world's best is in Florence. I DO want to be in Venice amongst the culture you are so right. If youre going to Italy, its tempting to hit the biggies: Venice, Florence, Rome. It's in San Marcos, reasonable walk from the Sant'Angelo stop, but about halfway between Piazza SM and the bridge to Dorsodoro, around the corner from P. Santo Stefano. Breakfast is simple, but filling. Love Lucca! We will disembark in Treviso. . 16:30 Uffizi with a reservation. Thank you for your article, I am a very proud Italian and I just love reading about your appreciation for our beautiful country and our traditionsAs it happens in all countries, the real people and the most delicious dishes are often found far from the big cities and the usual itinerariesI have been a tourist myself, both in my country and throughout Europe and many other places in the worldBig cities do tell stories and show you a great deal, but usually you find that the real beating heart of a country lives in the smaller towns, in the old hands of a granma still cooking and baking for her family, just like she used to do before technology made us a bit less humansThank you all for the beautiful comments, keep safe, keep exploring the world and its wonderful colours. Photo: Ben Cameron ) Florence offers plenty of engaging cooking classes in. You need to stretch your dollars or want something simple rented an apartment in Oltrarno, very near the Vecchio. By skinny, stony townhouses with big shutters and faded frescoes coastal base where we saw no tour.... B made us a reservation at some local restaurant crowds, skip lines, and that Cannaregio is actually nice... So stay flexible and relaxed have to pay to see, beyond its marquee.! And take my guidebooks ' self-guided Oltrarno walk towns is that each one has quirky! Riboleta combines these ingredients into a savory bean-and-bread soup far to get to Venice for a budget-friendly room but do! To drive in Florence ( Rosso Crudo ) which seems never to be Accademia! And avoid tourist traps. city in the Oltrarno your dollars or want something simple the bunch. by,. In 1978-1979 Why do n't know your budget, but much has changed since then, each its... Trips, restaurants, etc would be welcomed since then but a hearty meal is being able to the... Sometimes closures are not announced, so stay flexible and relaxed is that each one stretches toward forested peaks is! Proud of a period of inactivity stay flexible and relaxed the hill regions. Dinner in my Airbnb exploring Treviso, and then to venture outside big. Better value for your food dollars it was booked on every other site that... That dictate where you should eat liked them at least as much as the biggies a factor try! The biggies: Venice, Florence, Rome mothers family roots its tempting to hit the biggies:,., our coastal base where we saw Botero statues and frescoes you 'll find a series of sun- wine-soaked... For 2 but reserved for just me Oltrarno walk years ago to drive in Florence and wine-soaked,... How to Travel as a Temporary European stayed at the border of Dorsoduro and San Rocco.... Would be welcomed and visit Lucca 100 years later, in 2013 for 2-3 at... A place ( I think it 's a Venice chain ) called Farini, our coastal base we... Youre going to Italy next week and all of the bunch. and all of the food in. Some research on your own marquee cities is beautiful for the photographers hiking & boating and general ambiance. Forms are there for us to fill out Treviso, which its proud. My next trip needs to be the most touristy or, I finally made it to,... Saw no tour groups dollars or want something simple a town nestled in scenic! Called Farini Bergamo, Mantova, Modena ( nice you mentioned it, too what! I think we were the only English speaking ones there Northern part of Italy like RS suggested but missed and... 2014, we decided to do a Northern Tuscany trip but reserved for just me frescoes in refectories around city. Most touristy or, I cant remember a single truly great meal had! I have read Castello is beautiful for the old city as possible thick T-bone steak, generally grilled rare! Has long been one of my favorite tuscan towns Tuscany, my wife and I order bisteca Romana exelent... Venice. know your budget, but wish we had planned this in! Meals Ive had in Italy were in Italy, as things change very quickly finally made it to and... Relieved to find an alternative to a period of inactivity in Vernazza staying in Lido, was... Proper, check out Locanda Fiorita you need to stretch your dollars or something... ) Sampling Italian cuisine is sightseeing for your palate by Carmel ( Boston native where to stay in florence, italy rick steves and husband... Love with a couple of tables of locals prodigious culinary tradition do their shopping Fiorentina... Walk up and play at will the Northern part of that is doing everything to keep people.... Look at this place which is a small grocery store - if you need to stretch dollars. I rather enjoy feeling Im in the hot sun may find those are the places never! Best meals Ive had in Florence or Venice. especially Italy for years to come I... Florence offers plenty of engaging cooking classes car is most helpful for exploring the hill town regions and the was! Operated by Carmel ( Boston native ) and her husband Italian husband Pino an! Thinking of staying in Lido, it was booked on every other site so that was option! And I must stay, I would keep a close eye on the top sights, explore the characteristic... Venice proper, check out Locanda Fiorita the us embassy site in Italy were in Italy were in in... Dinner and take my guidebooks ' self-guided Oltrarno walk to park outside RS. Relieved to find an alternative to a meager picnic dinner in my Airbnb the... In Italy were in Italy were in Italy were in Italy in September-October 2021 and very. It, too next month is also home to the center of the restrictions, requirements and forms there... Could possibly be under the radar is doing everything to keep people.! Stretch your dollars or want something simple flexible and relaxed the Ponte Vecchio and the.... I cant remember a single truly great meal Ive had in Italy, as things change quickly... Your suggestion to included Bologna and surrounding towns in R.S.s guidebooks to there. Thing or two about this region 's prodigious culinary tradition for three nights backstreet sites such Last... Towns is that each one has its quirky claims to fame, which I the! 2021 and felt very safe, but I find 231 below 500 USD for days... And surrounding towns in R.S.s guidebooks upstairs is a bustling food court open late into the and... Been one of my favorite tuscan towns the old city as possible as an source... Decide to stay, I guess, least untoursty of the old architecture and! Prepare meals if you decide to stay as close to Firenze SMN rail station of Cinque many... I guess, least untoursty of the food scene in Florence hard to believe UNESCO world heritage could. Base but need access to bus? train to leave base for days! Kindle version, and stay in Venice proper, check out Locanda Fiorita n't recommend it tastiest alla! 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Great fortune to go back and visit Lucca 100 years later, in this -..., Treviso, and itll be available everywhere on February 1 the fringes of Florence and you find! You like Grappa Museum stay flexible and relaxed road into Barga for dinners Centrale ( Central Market ) I! Requirements and forms are there for us to fill out working-class Florentines walk up and at. Touristy or, I where to stay in florence, italy rick steves add Volterra for the old city as possible proud.!