What area is considered the Heart of Florence? We will only be there for 2 days and want to be in the most popular part for dining, nightlife, etc... We would like to take a couple day trip up to Cinqe Terra also, do you know if it's recommended to rent a car in Florence? Can we leave the car in Cinque Terra and take a train to Rome??

THank you!
Natalie

I would not rent a car in Florence.It is very small and easily done on foot.A car probably be a hassle as the centre is pedestrianised and serviced by electric busses. My husband and I returned from Florence yesterday. When you want to get out of Florence you can take a local bus to fiesole and see the wondeful views of the city. Two days is not long in Florence but you will be able to get a lot done.

We caught the EuroStar from Florence to Rome. It was on time and very comfortable. Qiute fine to travel second class on that train.

Thank you for the reply. How should we travel up to Cinque Terra? We thought it would be fun taking a car up the country side. Bad idea? Also, if Florence is "small" does it really matter what area we stay in? We would like to be close to everything.

Thanks,
Natalie

Natalie, we stayed at a B&B just off the Piazza Signoria. It was really central.Try to stay in the Historic Centre and then you will be able to walk to all the major attractions.

I have not travelled to Cinque Terra so cannot help you there.

Regarding renting a car in Florence and driving to CT, I wouldn't. We drove into Florence to turn in our rental car last summer and navigating into and around Florence is difficult. There are many one way streets and I suspect trying to drive out of Florence would be as difficult. Consider taking the train to Santa Margherita, staying there and taking the train to the villages of CT. Using SML as a base allows you to see Portofino as well.

You didn't tell us about your entire trip plans so it is difficult to help beyond this suggestion. Best of luck.

Natalie, we had a car for two weeks in Tuscany last month. We were going to Sestri Levante for a few nights and friends we were with wanted to see the Cinque Terra villages. We drove to our hotel since we had the car and would need it for a day or so afterwards, but the car never left the paking lot. We took the train to Riomaggiore and hiked, rode the ferry and took the train back. A car really isn't necessary to see CT, in fact, may be a liability if you have to worry about parking.