Where to go in Italy?

[Saxza]

People who have explored Italy before what cities do you prefer? I can't decide between Rome and Milan. A few friends and colleagues have visited Bologna and Tuscany.

Depending how long you have got, you could do Milan, Florence and Rome in one trip.

I've been to Rome. It was HEAVING and it had more than it's fair share of scammers and pick pockets. It's got some amazing buildings and history and I'm glad I tried it once but I don't think I'd go back.

Lots of people seem to love Florence.

Rome definitely. It has got so much - you’ll want to come back again and again. Milan is mostly for Leonardo’s Last Supper, la Scala and shopping. Bologna is nice but fairly limited. Tuscany is beautiful but busy - you’d probably want to rent a car to explore the lovely villages in the Tuscany Hills. Florence is a definite must-see, especially if you like Renaissance art.

Do you definitely want a city? We favour Sardinia. Relaxed and beautiful beaches with easily accessible beaches and towns.

What time of year. If its summer then Milan might be more tolerable temperature wise

I would go back to Rome, loved it, walkable too (apart from the cobbly bit of the Appian Way, we got a bus there)

Loved Florence, Venice, Alghero, Sassari (working city), Cagliari (again very working city),

Yes I really a city. I want some good gelato as well

All depends what you want out of your holiday! Out of Milan and Rome I’d go with the latter as way more to do & see but I definitely would avoid in high summer. If you give a little more info about the things you like you’ll prob get better advice.

I like seeing museums and art galleries. I also like being able to walk around and see the sights.

None of these in July and August. Milan is super hot then even though it’s more northerly.

Rome has far more to see than Milan unless you incorporate a visit to the lakes too.
Florence has tons to see and Pisa is a short train ride too.

For your first time in Italy, then definitely do Rome! How long will you have, and what time of year?

I've not been to Milan, but have been to many other parts of Italy, and the only place I probably wouldn't return (and not because it weasn't nice, just didn't have tonnes to do besides wine!) was the Asti region.

I'd definitely recommend:
Bologna (the region Bologna is in is renowned in the whole of Italy for its food, I've always eaten very well here, and would happily return again and again - I've been 3 times)

Venice

Tuscany (the countryside, Florence, Siena, Lucca, Pisa - just for a few hours, Montepulciano...)

Umbria - Perugia, Assissi, countryside

Amalfi Coast - also take in Pompeii (and Herculaneum) while there

I've never had a bad time in Italy.

Rome should be done at least once if you have any interest in history, Milan is nice but not a lot of “sights” beyond the Duomo and castle. Florence is lovely and easy to do a trip to Pisa or other Tuscan towns. Tuscany generally needs a car. I’m keen to go to Bologna. Depends whether you’re into history, art or just want to potter.

I loved Verona, Venice and Rome.
Did not like Milan but was only there for a short time.
All very hot and busy.
I haven't been to Florence but that's next.
Lovely gelato in Verona.

Oh well, based on this, I'd do Florence and Lucca.

Thank you

Bologna or Siena and Florence, Rome is great on its own but hot and busy.

Rome over Milan (and indeed Florence) any day. I love Genova - gritty but gorgeous and interesting, not over touristed and easy to get out to both the mountains and beautiful Riviera villages. Venice will always have a special place in my heart as I lived there for a while. These last two are both on the coast, so relatively easy to get out to the beach if you're heading to Italy in the middle of summer (which I wouldn't recommend).

I have never forgotten Venice. But especially a visit to Burano. The island with multi coloured houses

And Siena.

How did everyone find Rome safety wise? I've been to Paris if that can act as a reference point.

What's Rome like in October half-term weather wise and in terms of business?

We do most of our mooching about at night, I love it, anywhere we go

I didnt feel unsafe and we stayed in quite a 'locals' area, although obviously every where is touristy

I noticed when we got the train from the airport, a girl who was with another girl didnt move when we got on the train and then moved with me as I moved down the carriage, really close, I think she was trying to pick my pocket or bag probably, I just stopped moved my bag to under my hand and stared her straight in the face. She moved away then

Also I warned my OH not to accept 'help' when we looked like the bumbling tourists at stations and bus validation machines etc and what was the first thing he did, accept some help validating his train ticket.

Absolutely fine. Although I love wandering round cities anywhere in the world.

And we never stay anywhere busy or touristy. Always in quieter areas or a bit further out of the centre where it's a bit more "local".

Another vote for does it have to be a city?
literally just came back from Italy last week travelled all round the south, Amalfi and over to puglia.
was incredible!!
had no interest in seeing any of the cities we went for local food and wine!
it was very very hot!!
italy has so much more to offer than just the cities.

I didn't feel unsafe from a physical safety point of view but definitely full of scammers (usually easy to spot) and definitely lots of pickpockets/bag thefts (not easy to spot).

Puglia definitely. Beautiful part of Italy

I love Rome. Have been several times and never bored of it. Florence and Verona also lovely. Milan was Ok but pales by comparison. Heard good things about Bologna. Naples is good for day trips - lots to see in area.