Think about your energy
Would you enjoy choosing between museums, shops, and restaurants, or would fewer choices feel like a relief? A city can make a short trip convenient, but it can also invite overplanning. A quieter stay can provide space, but it still needs a realistic plan for getting around. Start with your energy rather than a destination ranking.
Look at the journey beyond arrival
Reaching a railway station or airport is only part of the trip. Consider the final journey to your accommodation and how you will reach meals and activities once there. Check actual transport schedules or parking arrangements. A place that looks remote on a map may be easy to reach; a nearby place may require more coordination than expected.
Decide what food means to this trip
If you want to try several places with minimal travel between them, look for a compact area with options that interest you. If cooking together is part of the appeal, check the accommodation's facilities and where you can buy supplies. Neither plan is inherently better. The point is to make the practical arrangements match the experience you want.
Plan for an ordinary day
Imagine that the weather is unremarkable and the most photogenic stop is unavailable. Would you still enjoy being there? A comfortable base, a walk you are interested in, and a meal to look forward to can be enough. Choose the place whose ordinary version appeals to you, then treat everything else as a bonus.