I see this all the time when people plan Florence…They pick a great hotel—but in the wrong location. And it completely changes the feel of the trip. Florence is small, but where you stay determines everything—how your mornings start, how easy it is to wander, and whether the city feels calm or crowded. Most first-time trips default to being right near the Duomo. It’s iconic—but also the busiest, most crowded part of the city. On my last trip, I stayed at a hotel just outside the busiest part of the center—Hotel Rivoli. Close enough to walk everywhere, but just removed enough that it felt quieter at the end of the day. What stood out most was how it felt coming back in the evening. There’s a courtyard in the middle of the hotel, and after a full day out, it was the kind of place you could actually slow down for a bit. That’s the difference. Not just the hotel—but how it fits into the experience of the city. The trips that feel different usually stay just slightly outside that core—Oltrarno, Santa Croce, or quieter streets where you can step outside and feel like you’re in Florence, not just moving through it. If you’re planning a trip, this is one of the first things I help clients get right—because it shapes everything else. If you’re starting to look at options, feel free to reply—I’m always happy to point you in the right direction. — Dan
NomadWithDan Also confirmed… long lunches in Italy are still undefeated. P.S. Quick tip: Look for places within about a 10–15 minute walk of the center—not directly in it. You’ll get a much better experience. If you’re exploring different destinations, I’ve put together a few travel guides here:
→[Explore travel guides] If you ever reply to this email, it comes straight to me.
|
