The flavors of Florence are as varied as the taste buds on your tongue and the sights your eyes find appealing.
Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, provides all that you need for a vacation that satisfies on a variety of levels.
There are gelato shops tucked into multiple nooks and crannies, and blatantly taking up large spaces on street corners. Make sure to try multiple flavors and combine two into the same cone for maximum satisfaction.
If you avoid the piazzas and obvious tourist areas, you can discover many reasonably priced restaurants where Florentines eat. The food is good, the service is polite, and you save Euros.
The same thing goes with espresso. Off the beaten path, we can enjoy an espresso and cappuccino for less than three Euros. On the path, one double espresso will run you nearly four.
History is everywhere in Florence.
In the age-old buildings, in the worn streets, and being made by the people living there now. In an effort to consume the museums (which would take many weeks), don’t forget to simply stop and look around you. The city is history and the Florentines are proud of it. Stumble upon, as we did, the Boboli Gardens and nearby Torrigiani Garden. Enjoy the locals as they relish these spots of greenery in the midst of their city.
Walking through the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, remember when you leave the square to duck down that slender corridor leading off to who knows what treat. Read the placards inset into buildings and learn something new. Your guide book translates when needed.
One glimpse into a narrow storefront reveals depths that wind back into a building that could have once housed … what? Step inside, look over the wares, and wander through to arrive out the other side and into a new street to explore.
A tourist yourself, you still get pleasure out of watching the tourists and wondering how the wait staff puts up with them. I’m reminded of the scene in Russell Crowe’s A Good Year, where he’s waiting on a couple from Texas as they order a meal in Provence. The woman asks for something ridiculous like diet ranch dressing and bacon bits. He kicks them out. Don’t be that person when you travel. Ask for the house dressing and see what novelty they serve on a salad.
Things not to miss:
- The Museo Galileo – see numerous Galileo inventions along with an amazing array of other inventors and creators of mind-opening tools. If you are as fascinated with globes as Alex is, you will be enthralled by the collection.
- Piazza de Pitti and museum – Sadly, the day we set aside to go through the museum, there was a strike. Strikes are arbitrary (at least to Americans) and can be long or short. Select parts of the museum were open, but not the areas we wanted to see.
- Michelangelo’s David – I frequently avoid the “must see this” things, preferring to discover the unknown. Then there’s David. Don’t miss standing before him. If you’re in Florence, buy the ticket, get your reservation (you HAVE to get a reservation—your concierge is the best option for this) and prepare to be stunned by something so beautiful you could sit for an hour, tuning out everyone around you, simply looking.
People watching is such a treat
- People – Watch the residents and catch a glimpse of a man in a dark blue business suit, pink dress shirt, matching pocket handkerchief … stopped at a traffic light checking his email on his smartphone while riding his bicycle.
The food!
Ravioli – try it as often as you can because from Milan to Florence, the ravioli is different and delicious every time. It sometimes looks like the ravioli we buy at home and sometimes looks like a loosely formed tortellini. No matter what shape it is, I guarantee the pasta will be light and scrumptious. Other beautiful sights
- Speaking of “looking” – Relish the details. I’m fascinated by the doors and door knockers. The stunning carved doors are plentiful and I can only guess the age of them. On top of that artistry are the doorknockers—curses upon us Americans for ever giving up these often beautiful, frequently creepy, ornately purposeful items!
Shopping–what a delight!
Ponte Vecchio - If you're fond of gold and other jewelry, stroll on the Ponte Vecchio as it stretches across the Arno River. Be prepared to be jostled and bumped as this unique collection of shops on either side of the bridge is visited by hundreds of shoppers like you. Wine - Looking for something special to take home? Here's a list to stash in your suitcase: Wine, of course. Each (USA) person can bring home two bottles of a glorious vintage. Take advantage of this! Aged balsamic vinegar … trust me, after tasting this delicacy you’ll never view vinegar the same. We found a little shop tucked down a side street where the proprietress invited us to sample balsamic from 5 to 25 years old. The 15-year-old came home with us. Attire - Scarves are worn by everyone in Italy—men and women. They’re worn with aplomb and grace. I love scarves of all varieties—simply for style or necessitated by winter. I found a lovely striped one—from a shop we discovered by meandering off the tourist-trodden path. Keepsakes - Although we have a nice digital camera and take hundreds (400 in Florence) of photographs, we still indulge in the unique postcard or picture. When can I go again?
As busy as Florence was with tour buses full of travelers from around the world, I’d go there again in a heartbeat. It is lovely and easy to get around on foot; the food is full of flavor and freshness; and the people pull Florence together with grace.
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Seems like a great place to take my wife for holidays! I am guilty of not preparing enough family holiday trips, and this might just be a great place to add to my list. Thank you for sharing enticing details, and motivating us to visit Italy one day.
I would go back to Florence anytime, Emidio. There is so much to see that four days was not enough. Plan that trip!
I love Italy for all the reasons you have mentioned, RoseMary. I think we’d travel very well together. I, too, was amazed at the artful door knockers everywhere. Wow! Although Italy is not in my current travel plans, I would jump at the chance to visit Florence.
I know you saw this post before, ” https://www.rosemarygriffith.com/i-have-a-thing-for-door-knockers/ ” But in case you need a doorknocker refresh. HA HA. I think we would have a blast traveling together. So little time! I just heard a summer trip to Savannah is in my future. It will be hot, but worth it.
Italy is one country that I have yet to visit. I will be the first to admit I am not a pizza lover but my goodness, do I love pasta! Florence looks like a beautiful city where you can take many photographs. When abroad I enjoy catching up with the locals and seeing how they live. For me this is the highlight of my holiday – soaking in the culture.
Thank you for sharing!
I crave pizza once in a while, Phoenicia, but if my waist could stand it, I’d have pasta every single day! Florence is incredible and I’d like to go back and spend more time exploring. There is so much to see and do.
Your pictures are breathtaking! Let’s put it on our bucket list to go back together!
You’ve got it, Seester!
It’s been many years since I last visited Firenze so I really appreciated this tour. We brought some fabulous things home, and you are right about the balsamic. Very special
All the food was fabulous, Jacquie. The Balsamic is the topper! Literally.
I was only in Florence for a day and not ready to deal with the crowds. Would like to go back. Image of the Refective River is beautiful. Reflection is so still and clear.
We were there for four days, Ken, and it wasn’t enough. Of course, any amount of time in Italy is not enough!
I agree on crowds–I don’t handle them well anytime. September was still busy, which had me wondering if October would have been any calmer. It is all so beautiful.