Florence ranks fourth for tourist complaints over cleanliness

Florence has been ranked fourth among the world’s “dirtiest cities” based on tourist reviews, according to a survey highlighted by La Nazione. The ranking comes from a study conducted by Radical Storage, which analysed online comments left by visitors over the past 12 months.

The research does not rely on environmental measurements or official cleanliness indicators. Instead, it examines perceptions expressed in reviews published on travel platforms and specialized tourism websites.

How the ranking was compiled

Radical Storage selected 100 cities included in the Top 100 City Destinations Index by Euromonitor. For each city, it identified ten of the most visited attractions and analysed recent online reviews, focusing on references to cleanliness using keywords such as “clean” and “dirty”.

In this framework, Florence ranked fourth, with 29.6% of the analyses reviews explicitly mentioning dirt or lack of cleanliness. The study places Budapest first, followed by Rome and Las Vegas. Paris appears just behind Florence, in fifth position.

A perception shaped by pressure on historic centres

According to the study, several factors may contribute to negative perceptions, particularly in historic city centres. These include very high pedestrian traffic and narrow streets, which can make daily cleaning operations more complex and more visible to visitors.

The findings underline a recurring gap between the city’s internationally recognised artistic heritage and how some visitors experience everyday urban conditions during peak tourism periods. As noted by La Nazione, the survey reflects opinions and impressions rather than verified data, but it highlights an issue that regularly emerges in tourist feedback.

The study has circulated widely online and on tourism-related portals, drawing attention to how visitor perceptions can influence a city’s international image, even when based on non-scientific methodologies.

(Cover photo: via della Scala, December 23, 2025, taken from Facebook)

🎄 Support Florence Daily News this holiday season

If you value our work, please consider supporting Florence Daily News this Christmas.
We’re an independent news site — free from paywalls and intrusive ads — committed to offering clear and reliable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everyone.

Your contribution helps us remain independent and continue telling the stories that matter.
As a small thank-you, supporters this holiday season will receive an original photograph of Florence — a simple, meaningful gift to celebrate the city we all love.

🎁 Donate securely via Stripe below and make your gift count for good journalism in Tuscany.