I will be doing a backpacking trip in mid June and already have 4 days planned for Rome. I have allocated 4 other days for another destination in Italy. But I can't decide where else I should go. With my short time frame, which other city would be most worth my while? I am 18 years old and will be traveling solo. I thought about Venice but it is very difficult to find hostels and I think it will be quite expensive. Any suggestions for which city I should go to before/after Rome?!
Cheers!
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
677 posts
I maybe would suggest Florence, it is small enough to walk across, and definitely cheaper than Venice....but it also in a great area to explore the city and then do day trips if you have had your fill....Siena, Lucca, and Pisa (if you NEED to see the leaning tower) are generally close by, and you can get a great feel for Tuscany as compared to the bustle of Rome....
Posted by
Los Angeles
1825 posts
Sienna as a base to see some of Tuscany.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Siena and Bologna have lively university communities; Padova is smaller but there's a university there, too, and you could daytrip to Venice (about half an hour by train from Padova).
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I was also going to suggest Siena or Bologna for the same reasons - LOTS of university age people. Bologna is easier to get to from Rome than Siena and it's a bigger city. But if you're into art (esp. Renaissance), you have to go to Florence.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
Don't know what you consider too expensive, but you mention an interest in Venice. If so, check out lodging costs. You can stay in a Venice convent for 50E including breakfast, and there is at least one large hostel in Venice, although I don't know the price. You could also check Eurocheapo for lodging recommendations, or airbnb.