My daughter is spending next semester in Sesto Fiorentino, about 15-20 minutes outside of Florence. I am going to visit her over our Thanksgiving break and can't decide if I should stay near her (about a mile away) or in town and close to the train station. I've never been to Italy before and have no idea what to expect - but am incredibly excited!
Posted by
Divide, Colorado, USA
83 posts
Florence is, by far, one of my favorite cities on the planet. We stayed at a B and B called Soggiorno Battistero that was right across from the Baptistry of the Duomo. It's a Rick Steves' recommended place. The lady running it is American so language was not a problem. Recommend it highly but you do have to climb a flight of stairs. Be sure to go to Uffizi Gallery, Medici chapel, Santa Croce Church, Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo, and of course, the Duomo. Also visit the Mercato for picnic items--it's quite an experience. Close to the Santa Croce Church---between it and the river---is a fabulous gelato place that's cheap but wonderful. You will loose you heart to Florence!!! Have a spectacular time.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I suggest buying the RS Italy 2011 book to familiarize yourself with that beautiful but occasionally challenging book. Happy travels.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15616 posts
To a certain extent it does depend on your relationship and how much time she can spend with you. Do you want to be together all the time? Will she be free the whole time you are there? I don't think that Florence is particularly interesting in the evening, so I don't think that's a consideration. On the other hand, it is nicer to stay in the center and be able to go back to your room for a rest in the afternoon or a change of clothes before dinner. It also means a slightly earlier start in the morning (or a lazier one, depending . . . ) You could also take a double room (not so much more than a single) and have her stay with you in Florence.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Chani makes a good point. If you plan to spend most of the week with your daughter and will only visit Florence a couple of days, then staying near her might make the most sense. That said, I was in Florence for Thanksgiving week last year and absolutely loved it. I would highly recommend staying in Florence if that fits your plans. There are twice hourly trains that take only about 10 minutes (other trains take longer), so it's easy to travel between the 2 locations.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32228 posts
Julie, My suggestion would be to stay in Florence. Although there might not be "much to do in the evenings", I suspect there will be less to do in the evenings in the other location closer to your daughter. Like most Italian cities, there's usually lots happening in the evenings. Restaurants are open, people are wandering about, there may be some street entertainers, and in some places the shops are open. I agree with a previous reply that it would be a really good idea to pack along a copy of the Italy Guidebook. Note that this is now available in E-book format. If you'll be travelling with a Reader (Kindle, iPad) or a Laptop, that would be an alternative (and lighter) method of taking the Guidebook. Happy travels!
Posted by
Toledo
653 posts
Julie, Florence is a very compact city in terms of what you will probably want to see. I stayed at a small hotel, Hotel Medici, about three streets away from the Duomo. It has a lift and a rooftop terrace that has amazing views of the city - you can see people standing in the top of the duomo and in the bell tower! As I looked around, I noticed other hotels with rooftop terraces - this and a bottle of wine will give you plenty to do at night.