So this has happened before. I travel to a destination, sometimes one that is universally loved, but I don’t have a great experience. I’ve written about it before and it happens to everyone, but I was shocked ( and still am) that it happened to be in what is to believed to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world – Florence, Italy.
Two years ago my partner and I started a new tradition in December. We pick a major city and use it as a home base from which to explore other areas and see how they’ve festooned themselves for the Christmas holiday. It’s been a lot of fun so far and I can’t wait to plan our trip for 2013, but last year found us in Milan. From Northern Italy we launched several day trips including to one city I’ve wanted to see for years – Florence.
The heart of the Renaissance, Florence has long been a city of beauty, culture and learning and it still is today. Fabulous wealth has always seemed to grace the streets and shops of Florence, gold dripping from the coffers. Today it is still home to money, old and new, as well as a steady stream of tourists from around the world who want to see the city’s treasures for themselves.
I knew we didn’t have a lot of time in Florence, so we worked with a local guide who helped us get the most out of our limited time. And she did a great job; my thoughts about the city are in no way because of her. No, she showed us the famous boulevards, fancy mansions, centuries old art and other design treasures. We saw it all, from the Ponte Vecchio to Michelangelo’s David and of course the massive Duomo. And it was all very pretty, but it just wasn’t for me.
Every city has a vibe, good or bad, and whether or not we like that vibe is a very personal thing. Whenever I’ve written about not liking a place in the past I always get people who try to argue the point with me, until I ask them a very simple question. “Have you liked every place you’ve been?” The answer is always no and they begin to see my point of view.
So what didn’t I like about Florence? Well, the vibe for me was standoffish. I didn’t feel welcomed into the city as I have in many other places around the world. Everything was immaculate and very pretty, but almost too much so. It all seemed like an elaborately staged production, all done for my benefits to see The Treasures of Florence. And like I said, they were great, beautiful even and I’m glad I saw them. But I don’t feel the burning desire to return. Ever. I’ve been there, seen it and now it’s time to move on to other places. Lest you think this is just how I travel, it’s not, not at all.
In comparison, I also spent a scant day in Bologna, Italy but almost immediately fell in love with it. That city’s vibe was different, probably thanks in part to the massive university housed there. The city was alive and interesting, beautiful without the pretentiousness that Florence has. I felt like I was discovering things that were not on the tourist trail; now this probably isn’t true, but that feeling made all the difference. I wasn’t a number or a statistic, I was a welcomed guest and treated like one wherever I went. Instead of waiters who ignored me like in Florence, the little old man working at the trattoria I visited in Bologna was excited I was there and couldn’t wait to show me his favorite food. Now that’s a good feeling and made me want to return whenever I can.
So there, I’ve come out and said it. Florence is one of the most beloved cities in the world and home to some truly impressive treasures. It was where the Renaissance that changed the world forever started and today is firmly entrenched on the travel bucket lists of people around the world. But I didn’t like it and I don’t think I ever will.
Let the insults commence.
Somebody else will begin the insult, as I had the same feeling when I visited Amsterdam. Granted, it was just for a weekend, an extension to a work-related trip to Utrecht, back in January. But the weather sucked, the ambience sucked, my travel companion sucked, and so did his mom. Yeah, there were plenty of confounding factors which made me hate Amsterdam, but still, two main points made me not like it: a) it didn’t feel foreign enough, at least for me; and b) there were plenty of things that I thought were just there because there were tons of tourists patronizing those places.
I agree with you completely. Amsterdam was unappealing to me on several levels. Not as scenic, coke dealers, and too many young, scummy junkies floating around.
I’m inclined to agree. I’m headed there for a day to see the Rijksmuseum and maybe a quieter neighborhood, but I have no interest in the party tourism. I’ve heard it’s really bad. Not sure how Den Haag will be, because I’ll be there for a few days, but I’m hoping it’s much less of that crap.
I feel this way about a lot of places in Europe, which is why I rarely visit the continent, but Italy definitely not! I could live in Florence. :)
I understand you completely. What Florence is to you, Prague is to me. I don’t feel like ever going back to the place, I didn’t feel welcome at all and the only think it felt people were welcoming of was my money. As touristic as a place can be, nothing beats the passion a local has and the proud they have for their home, like the waiter you mentioned in Bologna.
I agree. Prague was a stage, along with Venice and Florence as well. Very sad.
Agree on Prague. I found it to be a complete tourist trap with throngs of tour guides flooding the town square. It has some beautiful scenery, but the outskirts still mirror the depression of it’s communist past.
I’ve been to Florence twice and both times it left me cold compared to fascinating cities like Rome, Genoa and Bologna. It is very beautiful but it’s also very, very full of tourists and I think that contributes to that staged feeling. It was harder to find the little details that I love about Italy and I kept having this nagging feeling I was about to be hustled. It just struck me as a bit fake. Neither Mike or I were huge fans, and you KNOW I say this as an enormous lover of Italy..
It’s true, I love Florence. I fell in love with my husband there, we returned for our honeymoon and more recently for our five-year anniversary. We hope to live in or near the city someday.
That said, just because it feels like home to me doesn’t mean it has to feel that way for everyone. It’s an amazing sensation to visit a place for the first time and feel so strongly that it’s where you belong. I hope you’ve found that feeling in your travels, no matter where it happened to be.
I had this feeling when I was in Budapest a year or so ago and it shocked me! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love Budapest and I was left feeling meh. I have vowed to go back and give her another try but haven’t set a date to that trip.
This is how I feel about Paris– been twice, and just am not a fan. And I can understand how you feel that way about Florence– I lived there for a year, and I have a love affair with it, but the small city is certainly overrun with tourists and is highly “Americanized” due to the 2,000+ American students that study there each semester. That’s why I was glad that I had a year there to discover some great nooks and crannies. Thanks for the honesty!
I felt the same way about Amsterdam until I gave it a second chance. Now I love it.
Great, real and honest article Matt, with which I can’t agree more: nothing worse than places with “fake” vibe. Vibe feeling is however, quite a personal thing and therefore, some will certainly disagree with the fact of your Florence’s vibe feeling. Keep up the great work! Cheers from Chile amigo. :-)
You’re not alone. I just saw a House Hunters International show about a woman who ditched Florence for Ostuni. For me, my biggest head-shaker of a travel disappointment was India. I should have loved it – the spirituality, food, landscape and people – but in truth I was never so happy to get to an airport departure lounge.
For me it was Sydney. I didn’t hate it – it was just ‘meh’. I much preferred Melbourne. It’s also possible to slowly ‘unlove’ a place after repeat visits – that has happened to me with Prague, and I fear it’s happening with New York too. Prague seems out to fleece its visitors, and I found the people in New York very fake on my last visit there.
Yes to Melbourne! Love that place
It’s pretty refreshing to read something so honest. Liking the vibe of a place is VERY personal. I wasn’t terribly fond of Bogota (I got mugged there, but it was definitely more than that) and I usually gloss over my distate for it- I don’t want to get a lecture from someone. Its unfortunate that sometimes travelers are made to feel guilty/defensive about not liking a city.
Thanks Megan, always try to be as honest as I can and glad you could relate! :)
My wife and I had a very similar experience in Firenze as yours. We felt that our tourist dollars were very welcome but that our presence was simply suffered. We found the cuisine, even in small, tucked away eateries to be subpar, and while we went off season, twice, we were still competing with many other tourists for every sight.
I found the architecture stunning, though a bit depressing. I far prefer Venice and Bologna to Florence.
Yes to all points :)
Your Florence was my Phnom Penh.
After several visits though, I’ve warmed up to the Cambodian capital. I know so many people who love the city, but for me… during my first visit I couldn’t wait to get out of there.
Pondicherry is another Florence for me. People rave about its French charms, its beautiful blend of southern Indian culture and continental style. I understand why it’s so well loved, but I’ve been there twice, and it’s just kind of sterile for me.
Florence though… I do like Florence. It doesn’t grab me as strongly as some other European cities do, but it is wonderful Renaissance treasure trove.
Thanks James and I really do think we all have our “Florences” :)
That’s how I felt about Venice, I felt it was a little staged in a way it felt like a Disney-like amusement park rather than a real city… I still enjoyed it because of its beauty, but tourism has definitely had an impact in the city.
As for Florence, I am surprised to hear that, because it was my favourite place in Italy. The city itself is beautiful and I actually found people to be very friendly. Do you ever think maybe a city may have a different impact on you depending on the season you visit it? I went in mid Spring, when the weather was warm and the sun was shining, but before the tourists overcrowded Florence… All these factors may affect how locals interact with visitors.
I notice this even in Vancouver (where I live), a city notorious for standoffish and unfriendly locals… what I’ve noticed over the last couple weeks when we’ve had unseasonal warm / sunny weather, is that people have been a lot friendlier, polite, and … gasp, even helpful!
Thank you for share your experience and feelings with us. I always wanted to visit Florence but not yet able to go there until now. I can imagine how many tourists in the city, just like Venice and Rome. I think there is no peak season for this big cities in Italy because even in winter, still full of people. But as you say, Bologna is something else. Feels more warm, liveable and not too crowded as the others cities are. For me, i love Italy also but especially the northen part because they have many smaller and lovable cities like Verona, Merano, Bolzano, and Trento. Maybe as some people suggest, there could be a second chance to fall in love with Florence for you, or maybe one time is enough to say that you don’t want to visit for the second time.
I would definitely try again. I’ve been to other cities that have required multiple visits to like but right now this is just how I feel about Florence.
Good luck for the second try and don’t forget to tell us about your impression once again :)
I think i should also visit Paris once more to change my impression..ha ha ha
Thanks for sharing and thanks to everyone! Glad I’m not alone!
I hear you, Matt. I should love Florence, it’s full of art treasures and I did enjoy wandering from church to church hunting down the frescoes I studied at school. Compared to other cities like Rome and Venice, though, for me Florence had no magic. Perhaps it was the penal-institution Renaissance architecture or the mold and bugs emanating through the city, I was told, from the dank winter river. I’ll probably get some hate mail, too, but with so many other places to go, I won’t be bothering with a return trip to Florence any time soon. BTW I was there for a while and loved the herb-scented Tuscan countryside, just not the city.
I totally understand your concept of a city having a largely personal ‘vibe’. Many cities, especially in Europe, have a vibe such as that you describe in Florence precisely /because/ they have established themselves as ‘most beautiful’ or ‘most xxxxxx’. I last visited Florence about 25 years ago; the fourth visit in a similar number of years; it was spectacular in every respect and I rate it – at that time – as one of my favourite cities worldwide. I shall not seek to go again though since, from every report I hear of the place now, it’s vibe has been ruined by its very popularity and status.
An unavoidable consequence in an age of cheap travel, but nonetheless very sad.
I had Stendhal’s syndrome when visiting Florence. I thought it was all just too much. There’s a wiki entry for it too.
I SO relate – unpleasant service staff who correct your accent and manners; unwelcoming hotel front desk staff, conmen disguised as waiters. And the PRICES – and I do not travel “poor”! Loved Bologna for the same reasons, Mike
That’s too bad! Florence happens to be one of my all time favorite places I’ve visited. I was excited to visit there but it wasn’t one of those places I just had to see. When I got there however the city just captured me by surprise and I fell in love. The buildings, the people, the history, THE FOOD. I had one of THE BEST meals I have ever eaten in Florence.
I don’t discredit you for not enjoying Florence the way many do. Your experience there is exactly how I felt in Venice. It really is something how these places we all hear and learn about invigorate many and for others it’s just another place to check off our list. That’s the joy of travel…exploring new places and finding what works and doesn’t for you. Thanks for sharing.
I understand where you’re coming from. I liked, but didn’t love, Prague. And I lived in Barcelona and really didn’t like it (but thought it was great when I was a tourist there). Not every place feels right to everyone and the reasons you give make a lot of sense. It’s a personal thing, definitely.
I know that feeling too. The same happened to me this summer when I visited Munich; for some reason, it just didn’t impress me, despite getting the “local” tour and spending time with friends. Sometimes you really do need to go somewhere just to say you’ve been there, and then move on.
I can completely relate to your article. While I haven’t been to Florence, I also have some cities on my list that others rave about that I just didn’t enjoy. Luckily the world is a large and varied place to explore so everyone can explore until they find their own magical spots.
I hope this will go through as I don’t like the fact that your website wont recognise my website as valid!
I live and try to work in Florence and I guess I love it with a passion and enthusiasm that drives others bonkers, but nonetheless I do understand what you mean – in the city centre there is a great deal of disdain towards the very tourists and students who are providing the livelihoods of those who are being so disrespectful, and that is a great shame for the City.
+ my husband doesn’t get it either – try as hard as he can!
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m currently in my hotel room in Firenze feeling underwhelmed and googling “does Florence hate tourists” to pinpoint my discontent (even after seeing the Birth of Venus at a surprisingly uncrowded Uffizi Gallery this morning). I’m hardly greeted with a buongiorno as I was in Rome and Siena the past few days. Service is impersonal and Florence feels quite sterile and frigid like a 2 dimensional painting. Also I have to say I’m turned off by all the separate ticket prices that they charge in the city i.e. Pitti Palace + Boboli Gardens should really be one ticket. On a sidenote, upon hotel check in the concierge told us to leave our bags in the lobby and that he would summon “the boy” to bring them to our room. “The boy” was a middle aged Asian man (I’m ethnically Korean myself, born and raised in the U.S.). I’m definitely feeling the presence of a socioeconomic hierarchy system here that maybe traces its roots to the Medici family that I hadn’t felt anywhere else it Italy. However startling, it has been a humbling learning experience which I value and will take away from my experience here.
Totally fell in love with Florence, but hated hated Rome. The Vatican was amazing, but Rome itself was just..arghh..
Paris was meh, but I never had a striking curiosity about Paris anyway, so it was alright.
I feel sorry for the fellows who didn’t enjoy Amsterdam much, it’s such a delightful city! But, indeed, the weather sucks most of time haha
Different strokes for different folks I guess. Hated Rome? I found Rome to be spectacular and Paris, to me, is unrivaled. Amsterdam was truly a disappointment.
I have been living here almost two years. I hate Firenze. I have been living in many places due to my husband ‘s job. The people here always try to cheat you in every single way / single day. They don’t accept foreign nor people have better life than them. They are country people seldom travel, can’t have any conversation with them. Pasta, pizza, T-bone steak, Oliver oil , what else could they have?….
Personally, I had a great time in Florence but after several days there, I felt like I was done with it and wanted to move on. I went from there to Rome. When I first got to Rome, I felt very overwhelmed and wanted to go back to Florence. Looking back, I wish I had more time in Rome and would love to go back to either city.
After 10 trips through Europe, I’ve compiled my own lists of disappointing cities (If anyone cares).
Top 5 Overrated Places
Amsterdam
Prague
Istanbul
Budapest
Barcelona
I agree with Amsterdam and Barcelona
I’m visiting Florence right now and yes, I have a feeling of disconnection with this place. I think the problem is basically that there are too many tourists. 13 years ago I lived here for two months and my experience was nothing quite like it was these past days. There was half or even less than tourists, bars and restaurants were by far more authentic and the food was better. I can say I had the chance to experience Florence as it should be, but unfortunately today it’s changed for the worse. By the way, Im from Barcelona and I think the same can be applied to my city. Great city, too many tourists= poor experience. In any case, better travel than not ;)
Florence is the most beautiful city in the world! I have lived in the city for 13 years next time you are in town send me an email and I will show you a city you will love
I thought that aboul Sevilla, in Spain. A couple of beautiful buildings and a bunch of bars. I was bored after one day… Whenever I say that everyone looks shocked ‘How dare you say that about the greatest city in the world?! the people there, the atmosphere!’
I just dont get it, not my kind of city. Maybe I need to give it a chance, or just let it go and travel to new places instead.
Oh yeah, Florence is definitely full of shit – you can say that loud! If you are arrogant yourself (and a bit narcissistic like me ;-) – you ll like it at some point. You can reach the Fiorentinis, if you are cool (the way they see coolness). But yeah – it’s pretty superficial and outdated – and this is what Florence is. However, if you want to see fashion (clothes) (besides the Uffizi) and wanna spend some money on it (young design in Santo Spirito – great) and probably are tattoed and an actress or a singer or have studied languages or arts or finance and have been to the States or have something of “the new world” in you – you can certainly make an impression on them and then you start understanding that they simply are afraid of admitting their complexes. They amdire cosmopoletans and bigness in a kind of way and they envy easily. But this you find in Rome as well… the Mussolini megalomaniac complex of the Great Empire that is gone long time ago but it s apparently the only thing they can hold on (or the Medici whatever), so they pretend to be the best, but they feel shitty because of all the suppressed emotions. Historical psychology. Hey, there are also very nice Fiorintinis!! The mass is shitty anywhere you go, but here they let you feel it because most of them wont come out of here anywhere or get “lost” in any other city quite soon :-) Please go to Zurich – it s even shittier when the human being is concerned, but it s soooo great for some snobby shopping :-))) honestly.
I taught in Florence for two months. Couldn’t wait to come home.People constantly coming up to you begging or trying to sell you something. Three in our party got possessions stolen, one of those people was a nun!.I think in general Italy is a country in real trouble.
No matter your personal reaction, Florence is absolutely essential in Western European history, owing to the impact of renaissance art and thought. Because of this, Florence requires of the visitor not simply a sensual approach to “vibe” and “feel”… but a contemplative approach, wherein your integrate the meaning of the place into your own emotional reaction to it. I realize that this is not a popular approach to living, as it is viewed as overly intellectualized and forced. The modern world teaches us that our “innate” first reactions are pure and honest, and that thinking through experience is artificial. But we might also ask of ourselves is… “If I don’t like Florence… then why?” If you explore the reasons you don’t like it… or if you dig into your emotions and confront them forcefully, then perhaps you will uncover things in your past that have conditioned these reactions. Are these factors legitimate and well founded… or they neurotic. If so, you can begin to wonder not what is wrong with Florence… but rather… what is wrong with you.
Of course, that language is too strong. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with any of us just for not reacting positively to a place. There are places that I have not had “naturally” good reactions to. But I have to always consider that my intellectual and emotional capabilities are not so universal as to meld into the meanings of all places… and that to that extent I have room to construct and improve myself further… to be more than I am today… to construct in my own heart and mind a greater capacity for empathetic reactions to something new. It’s a challenge… and a harsh one… and one that beats you up before it lifts you up. It’s an aggressive approach to travel.
I only mention these perspectives because as I read this article and the responses to it, I hear in everyones tone an embrace of the purely personal reaction. But I ask… is that all there is to travel? Does the world and all it’s history and places reduce to immediate impressions of wait-staffs and locals and whether it was crowded. I realize that these things exert influences… but in places like Florence with deep histories and historical meanings we might want to access and attune ourselves too… it seems very shortsighted to judge it based on standards that derive from our unexamined selves… and to hold this unexamined self over and above the most historical and significant places on earth. Reducing travel to immediate reactions and pleasure is the essence of tourism… so if that’s what you’re about… the so be it. But don’t pretend that one’s perspective on historical places is any more relevant than one’s reaction to Disney World or the Jersey Shore.
I don’t think that demeaning others for not enjoying a travel experience is the proper reaction to this article. I’m extremely well-educated, some would say over-educated, and I knew full well the history of the city before my first visit. While I can intellectually appreciate something for it’s aesthetic value, I refuse to be intellectually bullied for not enjoying what is fundamentally a sub-par city. But then again, I’m a positive person that wishes for travel to be more inclusive.
I agree with you. It’s all subjective. I visited 16 cities in Europe last year over the course of 4 months. That’s about a week a city. I was in Florence 4 days. Given all the hype it was one of the cities I had the highest expectations for. People talk about “we’ll always have Florence” and “I fell in love in Florence”.
Then I got there. WTF? I didn’t find anything charming or beautiful about the city whatsoever. I didn’t find it special in any way. I didn’t think it has pretty at all compared to any of the other cities I visited. In fact coming from San Francisco it wasn’t close to as pretty or romantic as SF. What a let down.
I don’t know why people find it nice. I know this isn’t fair but I have to assume people who like Florence haven’t been anywhere else. Nothing about it stuck out and unique or special. But then again I know it’s subjective. I just don’t understand it. What features stick out over other cities in Europe?
Agree with those who felt the same way about Prague. Afterwards we visited Krakow which was wonderful by comparison and we wondered why no one ever talks about visiting there.
Did you get a chance to go to Padua? We haven’t been to Bologna, but the way you described it reminded me Padua.
I found this article by googling ‘what’s so great about Florence?’ I’m currently in my apartment in Florence wondering if I’ve missed something. I’ve only been here two days but I haven’t seen anything that would validate people’s claims as one of the ‘most beautiful cities in the world’. It has its beauty, that’s for sure,but no charm or warmth. As others have stated, it feels rather sterile. I’m leaving this afternoon for Roma so am hoping that it proves to be a much more rewarding experience.
These feelings about Florence absolutely echo my own. I have been to Florence several times and know quite a few other Italian cities (I actually lived in Italy for 3 years). We recently flew to Florence from the UK for a short break (hoping to use the city as a base). Florence had never been my favourite Italian destination on previous occasions but this time I really didn’t like it! This time,more than previously, I found it rather sterile and, worse, rammed with tourists! We did, however, as intended, go to Bologna and Lucca for the day and both of these places were absolutely delightful in their different ways. I felt I could easily live in Bologna which seemed so vibrant and friendly (and devoid of tourists!) Lucca was laid back and friendly and I would love to go back again. I would happily return to Tuscany (and most places in Italy) but will give Florence a miss from now on. PS The view from Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence is, however, one of the most beautiful on this earth!!)
Interesting article, I’m off to Florence in September for my honeymoon, my fiancé is wanting to go for the renaissance history and I’m swaying on the eating experience side, I’ve been to lots of European cities and think it really depends on who you meet there, I partied on tables til’ 7 in the morning in Amsterdam and loved the place but went for a romantic weekend in Paris and hated it, Lisbon Portugal still remains one of my favourite cities but all the places I’ve loved, I met real locals and they made sure I had the time of my life, I’ll let you know how Florence treats me.
The problem with tourism in Europe is that you need to spend a lot of time in a city to really appreciate it, avoiding the mass tourism attractions, and trying to go “deep”. I lived in Paris, and I had the opportunity to go to the Louvre many times (for free!),and I was a bit upset all the people were looking just to the Gioconda, missing the great paintings in the very same room! generally, for a visit of an European city you need to study the history and the art behind it before you get there, or you’ll miss something. and to look for some less known places, but worth a visit! The same goes to Florence: I have some friends that decided to do a 3 day trip to Rome AND Florence!! I prefered to stay 12 days in Florence, visiting also some wonderful places around it, such as Siena,San Gimignano, Volterra, Lucca and Pisa…Anyway, my suggestion is to give it a second try!
I agree with you :-)
I love your article and it’s honestly. What we love when we travel is very subjective and definitely not for all. Maybe Florence just isn’t for you and that’s ok. Though I would question your experience: it seems it was very touristy and not tailored to you. When I travel I contact local bloggers and writers via social media and get some inside advice – for my passions. And that works wonders. If you were to return to Florence I’d ask you first, tell when what you love, then I could show that side of the city and perhaps your impression would change. Your tour, although I’m sure was fun, did all the over populated tourist sites which isn’t showcasing the real Florence. Scratch under that surface and you find a vibrant city bursting with new art, fashion, food and hidden villas in the hills making terrific wine. People often ask me if they should see the David statue when they are in the city. My reply, only you want to; don’t do it just because you feel you have to see it. It seems your experience was all the major sights which is a shame. If you ever return, get in touch, I’ll show the true side of the city where the waiters will welcome you open armed. It does exist. You just have to find it.
Matt I found your post very interesting since I live and blog and work in Florence for the past nine years. It is always great to read the perspective of someone visiting the city for the first (or second) time. I guess I was a bit saddened by this post because while I agree that compared to Bologna, Florence moves at a fast pace and noone will deny the masses of tourism, it still is a special city. Honestly as someone living in the city I would probably pass by a tourist on one of those boulevards you speak of because I’m off to work or an appointment, not out of any malice to ignore a starry-eyed visitor. Sometimes it is the job of the visitor not to expect some totally unique experience but instead to bring that about themselves, contact local artisans (and there are so many)!and listen to their fascinating stories or seek out the less-touristy mom and pop trattorias or visit hidden gems like Forte Belvedere and Villa Bardini where likely you might have had a different viewpoint than you got on this visit. If you do decide to come back, please reach out. I would be happy to take you around my Florence and then you can decide for yourself if the city deserves another chance.
Fast forward to 2016 and I have to say as well Firenze was disappointing; this is more so for the negative vibes from the people working there.
During my four day stay several times waiters either tried to charge me for things I did not order or not give me back correct change when paying cash.
Those Florentines should be ashamed they resort to cheap classless measures to try to scam money from tourists.
Like others have said the staff can come across arrogant or unhelpful.
I found this to be about 50% of the time, especially near the tourist areas.
The other half of waiters/staff I dealt with were ok to deal with.
While the city has some areas of beauty, overall I would not call it a beautiful. The architecture is quite monotonous after a while.
I am glad I was able to see the sites I had read about (duomo, david, uffizi) ,
I will be in no hurry to return.
Florence is living off its old 700+ year hype of the Renaissance.
I can’t discourage people not to visit Firenze, but they should be forwarned.
I see why my friends that visit Italy frequently avoid Florence for the smaller cities.
I couldn´t agree with you more. I lived near Florence for a year and visited the city many times of course. As a city I felt dissapointed with Florence, obviously it has many sights to see and you cannot deny that some of the views, especially in that really special light it sometimes gets, are spectacular. But somehow it seemed to miss a heart. On the other hand, Bologna was a discovery, a gem, loved it from the first moment I stepped out of the car. Vibrant, exciting, real life going on, people that looked like people, contrary to Florence where even the inhabitants look like tourists.
LOL! Depends on the blogger…and the reader.
I completly agree with you on not feeling welcomed in Florence. After spending 8 days in Rome with a friend who lives there and had been embraced with open arms we then travelled to Florence for a 3 day stay. I was robbed in the first hour we were there, it was a difficult 3 days after that. Maybe I would have had a different experience had I gotten to sightsee more and not felt on edge the entire time there.
If you want vibe, few tourist and a lively city in Italy, you have to go in Naples absolutely.
I agree wholeheartedly with the two local bloggers, who posted comments. Florence, is, suffering from mass tourism. I work as a guide and mass tourism is destroying many landmarks, not only in Italy but elsewhere. Think of the feeding frenzy in front of the Mona Lisa. As my fellow Fiorentina’s said before me, if you follow only the general tourist path, you will experience just that. Do some research, dig a little deeper, hire a guide and tell them you want to see the small streets, hidden gems, the Florence less traveled. Coming out out season is also wonderful.
I’ve lived in Florence for 15 years, I fel in love with it immediately, it just felt like home. I still love it and always will love it but I can see why someone coming in for only a day wouldn’t. And to answer your question, have I liked every city I’ve visited? Well, I guess I don’t really look at it that way, I try to experience each city for what it is and I can honestly say that I can’t think of a city that I absolutely didn’t like, sure, I’ve like some more than others, but none that I didn’t like. The biggest mistake people make coming to Florence is thinking that it can be experienced in a day, Florence is not a day trip city. There is no way to experience all that Florence has to offer in just one day. You were You’re tour guide, as great as she may have been, sounds like she was giving you the overview tour that she gives every tourist, I worked as a guide for years, and I can assure you, she’s said the same thing hundreds of times to hundreds of tourists. Florence is one of those places that you have to know where to go to find authenticity. It exists, it’s actually quite bountiful, but if you only experience the two streets between Piazza Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio, you’re not going to get that. I’m not trying to convince you that you should ‘like’ Florence, everyone is entitled to their opinion, I just don’t think that you actually saw Florence. That being said, I think what ruins things for many people more than anything else, are expectations, if we don’t expect much we just may find ourselves pleasantly surprised.
I spent a semester abroad in Florence, I got lost in the back streets plenty of times, and I must say I completely understand where you are coming from. I myself don’t think I will ever return.Everyone has their own opinions and I don’t understand why everyone feels the need to try and sway ones opinion to match theirs. We are all different people who view the world in our own way, places aren’t for everyone, just like food and clothes.Florence and I just live on different wave lengths, we probably always have, and we most likely always will.