A group of us (19 year olds) will be going to France/Italy/Ireland/London next year and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if we should visit Florence or Venice and why you think we should visit it. I would also appreciate it if anyone could recommend cheap, but nice hotels (under 150E). Thanks a bunch.

hi jennifer:<BR><BR>that's a tough choice as they both are so magical. venice is wonderful beyond description, but i think your group will be happier in florence. venice is one of the most expensive places in italy; your euro will go further in florence. there is much to see in florence (the duomo alone is worth the visit) and fun markets to shop at and sidewalk cafes that you can stop at for pasta and wine. go back to venice when you want a romantic stay. whichever you choose, i know you'll have a great time.

Both are wonderful, but if I could only do one, I'd vote for Venice because it's so different than anyplace else. But both are magical and there is the David in Florence at the Academia which is certainly amazing.

Florence without a doubt. I have visited both cities.

My suggestion is Florence. I spent 2 weeks there and loved it. I took a university course and most of my classmates which are between the ages of 20-25 agree that 2 weeks in Florence were well worth it. We took a day trip to Venice and IMO one day there is enough! It's beautiful, but once you've seen a canal or a bridge you've seen enough. It gets repetitive. I think Venice is more suitable for couples, honeymooners. It is worth the trip, but only a day or 2.<BR>In Florence there is much to do. The Duomo is beautiful. My favourite part of Florence is Piazza Signoria. At night the young people walk around the streets of Piazza Signoria and the Duomo. There are street performers, and many gelaterias open. There's lots of shopping and many restaurants and bars to pick from. It is expensive, but if you are American your dollar is about a euro and everything will seem reasonable. <BR>I could go on and on about Florence...if you have any more questions, I'll be glad to help.<BR>

Thank you everyone who replied. Does anyone know a good hotel close to attractions or close to a subway (if they have a system). thnak you again very much.

Jennifer...I wasn't clear on whether you meant to choose between Florence or Venice... But, if you have time, I'd recommend both, for the reasons stated. I don't think Venice is romantic myself. <BR><BR>Yes, it is expensive. On the other hand, the best place to stay is right in Venice proper - avoid the ugly industrial town of Mestre just outside of Venice where many inexpensive tours put people up. Also, Venice is more pleasant in the early morning and evening after the day time tourists leave.<BR><BR>In Venice the Pensione Accademia is highly recommended and reasonably priced for Venice but books up well in advance so make reservations.<BR><BR>In Florence, the Soggiorno Battistero is a lovely B & B right on the Piazza del Duomo..very inexpensive..Up three flights of stairs with no elevator, however.

Save Venice for a time when you can come back with a loved one. Florence will be so much more fun. There are tons of college students there in summertime, and there are bar crawls at night you can go on and meet people your age from all over the world. During the day, there is a ton to see also. We traveled all throughout Italy when I was 21 and we loved Florence. We just took a train in and walked to the first 3 star hotels we saw, and asked to see a room (a triple) and we got a great rate of around 100. You should not have a problem doing the same. Otherwise, just pick any 3 star right near train station, and you will be fine. You can walk everywhere and how often will you be in room anyway.