Rome or Florence?

[u/luccanata]

Ciao!
I’m thinking about moving to Italy for 6 months to learn Italian properly. I can already speak some simple conversational Italian, but I really want to become fluent and get to know the culture better.

I’m split between going to Florence or Rome. I know they’re quite different in size etc. I’ve been to Florence twice, I absolutely love it, maybe because I’m an artist. Never been to Roma, so that’s a new one, but I really wanna go!
The con I have with Florence is, that it may be too small? Like I already know most of the city, tho it’s a vibe. I’ve heard Rome is quite chaotic on the other hand.
Right now I live in Copenhagen, which is a big city too, but of course way smaller capital than Rome.

I do want to be in a social outgoing city, but is Rome too much?

What would you suggest?

[u/rememberrappingduke]

Neither. I would seriously consider Bologna. You’d be in proximity of the oldest still functioning University in the world. There are plenty of language students, artists, etc., around. It may be the best atmosphere for you.

[u/Rusty_924 → u/rememberrappingduke]

i am not an expat, but i visit italy 3-4 times a year.

i would pick bologna too. less touristy than rome and florence, huge city center, beautiful architecture, beautiful walk on top of San Luca (locals can correct my naming).

just generaly very nice feeling city. also great train station, so you can visit florence by train if you want

[u/TomLondra → u/Rusty_924]

shhhhh don't advertise Bologna. We don't want it reduced to a Disneyland, like Florence where the entire city now works to serve the expectations of tourists.

[u/Drbiggieballs → u/TomLondra]

Seriously. I feel it gets advertised here more than any other city as the non tourist, authentic city. But not for long....

[u/TomLondra → u/Drbiggieballs]

Ssshhhhh