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?

Bologna 10 years ago went a few times for trade shows as dh was working and I was on my own with ds as a baby. It would be a good place to spend a day. I remember the restaurants being amazing and beautiful cafes. Its a university town so good to wander and lots of interesting little shops. There's a big square in the centre that I remember being impressed with. I also recall the park being badly tended compared to a UK park of the time (although nowadays the parks are much worse looked after in the uk).

I didn't like Milan at all, but then I don't like shopping. Bergamo is amazing! So unspoilt, so beautiful. We got the train from there very easily as well.

Florence ! (I live here) not so many tourists & weather atm around 25

Oh. Ignore my suggestion of Perugia. I thought that website was for train travel, nor car.
Another time, maybe.

You lucky thing!

I think being limited to 24hrs in either Florence or Rome would be frustrating, there is so much you wouldn't be able to do.

Milan would be a decent choice, especially if you like shopping as well as sightseeing. The duomo, the castello sforzesco, Santa Maria Delle Grazie (with the last supper museum) would keep you busy and be achievable in a day. You may need to book a tour to get in to see the last supper.

I'd consider Pisa too, it can be very busy but only around the tower, and not as horrendous as Florence for tourists. The Pisa Cathedral is incredibly beautiful.

Siena would be worth considering, very pretty, lots to do but quite compact so you could do it justice in 24hrs.

Depending upon your arrangements, and whether it would be out of your way Verona is lovely and suitable to do in a day.

Verona. Compact and just right for exploring on foot. Enormous Roman amphitheatre, Castle with great views and a couple of large piazzas for people watching.

I’d say Florence because the train station is in the city centre, you can get a feel for the city just walking around so no waiting in lines or pre booking museums. Plenty of snacks cute restaurants behind Piazza della Signoria.

I hate Milan train station. So dirty!

Liked Bologna. Loved Bergamo.

Enjoy!

Florence is lovely, but you’ll have to queue for anything you want to see/do. Bologna is much less touristy and is a walkable, compact city. And the food….

Parma. My favourite town in Italy.