To need guidance for Italy trip?

[atthebottomofthehill]

I have 24 hours to spend (alone) in an Italian town or city somewhere between Rome and Lake Como. Ideally on a main train line for ease of travel between the two places. Where shall I spend it?

Milan?
Florence?
Bologna?
Other?

I went to Milan for a weekend and loved it, so beautiful and so much history. I found it quite easy to get around on the underground trains. I haven't been to the other choices though so can't speak for how it compares! I love Italy, hope you have an amazing time wherever you decide!

Florence is my favourite - Rome needs more time!

Milan.

Just been to both Milan and Florence, both absolutely breathtaking, but Florence was just absolutely full of tourists. Milan's Metro is really easy to use to get to places you want to see as well.

Trains are really great to use too.

Florence is amazing but you can't 'do' it in 24 hours. Practically, would it be better to do Milan (closest to your destination)?

Florence if you want charming streets and walkable, pedestrian areas. Milan if you want to go shopping and big city vibes. Never been to Bologna so not sure about that.

Personally prefer Florence as it's more historical and compact. Like a smaller version of Rome but with different things to see of course. Milan is fab but it almost feels like an Italian version of London. You have the famous central arcade and cathedral but there isn't much more to see beyond that aside from parks. The streets are large and sprawling with traffic so you need to be prepared for lots of walking. However if you want to go shopping then Milan has all the flagship stores and huge department stores.

To be honest, if you already did Rome then Milan is probably going to be underwhelming. It's similar but without the density of tourist attractions. It's also much further north so the climate and architecture is almost European (think South Tyrol, Germany, Austria) rather than the vibrant Tuscan/palm tree feeling of Florence.

why not just stay at lake como? it's absolutely gorgeous.

Milan or Florence. Both are fabulous.

Bergamo, specifically Bergamo Alta. Beautiful place, often overlooked. Used to go as a day trip when I lived near Milan. Lovely funicular ride to the top, beautiful views and cobbled streets.

Florence. Yes, you need more than 24h to ‘do’ it all. But you can get a great taste for it in 24h and it is very easy to do alone. Everything is walking distance from the train station.

Personally, and depending on how your 24 hours are split over two days, I’d pre-book tickets for the Accademia and the Uffizi, and try to squeeze in a tour of Brunelleschi’s Duomo. Walking between them all will take you past street markets, restaurants, cafes and shops.

But there is so much more than just that if your tastes run to something different.

Bergamo 100% Citta Alta

Florence 100%

I would go to Genova with access to Portofino and Cinque Terre.

Thank you all for the advice! To clarify I am already spending time in Rome and Como, but I have 24 hours to fill in between them. Thank you for the advice so far

Milan is great to spend 24 hours in...top tip, opposite the duomo is a department store, on the 4 or 5th floor it has a cafe/bar with a balcony where you are pretty much level with the roof of the duomo. If the weather is bad (very stormy atm!) as well as the castle the science museum is interesting to look around.

I was pretty underwhelmed with Milan. It's more about the shopping and atmosphere IMHO.
I'd actually say Bologna. Much more doable in a day, lots of nice places to eat and all walkways are under cover as it can be very hot if you go any time between May - September.

Sienna!

I think Milan is a shithole. Go to Florence.

But yes to a PP sienna. Gorgeous

Bologna is surprisingly lovely, we spent the day there while in Florence - Florence is amazing too. Rome needs longer tbh.

Adore Florence, but spent 24hours in Bologna at the end of the trip and despite the initial impression upon coming out the train station, absolutely loved it and it was the perfect length of time.

Milan is muggy and Florence is packed. I’d go for Bologna, especially if you’re not fussy about dining alone. If you just want to see max sights can’t beat Florence though.

Have a look at this website. Wanderdog.
Perugia is fantastic for chocolate (there is a chocolate festival in October) and archaeology (the Rocca Paolinano is stunning).

Argh too many good choices, I need another trip!

This with bells on! Amazing underrated place, one of the best trips I’ve ever been on. Seriously amazing!

We honeymooned in Bologna - it's really lovely.